Introduction
The year was 1983. The Police topped the charts with "Every Breath You Take," the "Color Purple" by Alice Walker won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction and "Dallas" was the number one show on television. The population was 233,000,000, the average cost of a new home was $89,000 and a first class stamp would set you back $.20. The Broncos hadn't yet won a Super Bowl and the Internet, email and the DVD were still years into the future.
But we remember 1983 as the year the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Colorado began.
Seven-year-old Jennifer Mazak suffered from chronic liver disease and passed away that year. Although Jennifer did not have a formal wish, she wanted to meet the KIMN Chicken radio mascot. When the KIMN Chicken was told of Jennifer's wish, he came to visit her at home. When Jennifer passed away, her mother, Joan Mazak, remembered her daughter's joy at meeting the KIMN mascot and wanted to do something to help children like Jennifer. Using money that was donated to her from well-wishers, she started the Colorado chapter, one of the first in the nation.
In the beginning it was just Joan, Marilyn Tillery and Joan's mother Trudy working around a table in Joan's kitchen, fielding referral calls, planning the wishes and meeting the families. It was a humble beginning for an organization that, 25 years later, has become one of the most respected non-profits in Colorado, touching the lives and hearts of thousands of Colorado children and their families.
Many things have changed in the last 25 years, but Joan, Marilyn and Trudy are still here, and we are reminded of Jennifer's smile each time we fulfill a wish.
As we prepare to grant our 3,000 wish, here is a list of the wishes we granted our first year. In 1983, just like today, the most popular wish was Disney-related. We had one celebrity wish, Cliffon wanted to meet Star Wars actor Mark Hammil and one little girl, Yolanda, wished to receive an Atari computer and games.
- Bill Phillips' Transformation Challenge Donates $109,000 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Colorado
Bill Phillips, the former chairperson and CEO of EAS and the author of the best-selling health and fitness book “Body for Life” recently made a $109,000 personal donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Colorado. Mr. Phillips' donation came about as part of his Transformation Challenge, a 12-week plan to increase the health, fitness and energy of Challenge participants across the country and the world. For every pound lost by participants and/or for every pound of muscle gained, Mr. Phillips donated $100 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Colorado. For information on upcoming Bill Phillips health challenges visit Bill Phillips' Transformation page
Bill Phillips and his family have been long-time supporters of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Colorado. In 1998, Mr. Phillips created a video for Make-A-Wish that raised roughly 2 million dollars for Make-A-Wish Chapters worldwide. His generous involvement in Make-A-Wish began in 1994 when his family and he chose to donate to the Foundation in lieu of Christmas presents. His personal donation of $150,000 in 2005 is the largest individual donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Colorado in its 25-year history.
"I have been involved up close and personal with the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Colorado for 14 years, with the children, the Moms and Dads, the brothers and sisters, and I can tell you when that wish is granted, it is one of the happiest moments in that entire family's life," said Mr. Phillips. "The hard work of participants in making a personal change through this Transformation Challenge is going to make a positive difference in the lives of many Make-A-Wish children."
The Transformation Challenge is a 12-week health and fitness program where participants work to let go of unhealthy body fat and replace it with lean muscle. Participants are urged to lead by example, showing friends, co-workers and families that a healthy lifestyle can lead to positive changes in all aspects of their lives.
"This is not a weight lose program, Mr. Phillips stressed "this is about increasing overall health, energy and quality of life, as well as showing how the Transformation can be a positive influence in the lives of others."
Joan Mazak, CEO and President of Make-A-Wish Foundation of Colorado said, "Bill Phillips' personal generosity is unparalleled in the 25 year history of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Colorado. His donations have paid for hundreds of wishes, and he continues to be an inspiration to all who are involved with the Foundation, as well as the millions of people who read his books and follow his example of living a healthy and positive life."
For more information on Bill Phillips, visit his website