LAS VEGAS, NEV (Aug. 26, 2025) – Make-A-Wish® Nevada invites schools statewide to be part of its Kids for Wish Kids campaign. Last year, participating schools across the state raised more than $40,000 to help grant wishes to critically ill children, with White Pine High School in Ely raising $10,456 – more than any other Nevada school!
Managed by kids – for kids, the student-led fundraising initiative gives students control to create, plan and carry out custom-tailored fun and effective ways to raise funds. From such activities as “Pie-a-Teacher” contests and even “Pet-a-Puppy” day, students can develop their own initiatives to raise funds for Make-A-Wish Nevada.
Participating schools receive an “All About Me” profile of the wish kid for whom they are raising funds, so students can learn about the child whose wish they are helping to grant. When possible, wish kids and their families are invited to attend fundraising events at the schools, giving students a powerful reminder of the difference they are making while learning leadership, teamwork and financial responsibility.
In addition to in-person events, participants can also utilize the Make-A-Wish Wish Your Way fundraising app to collect donations, create teams, and more.
According to 2024 Shadow Ridge High School Student Body Secretary Kylee Stratton, Make-A-Wish is amazing. “It’s something that I loved doing. It restored my faith back in our school when we were able to raise this money. People began to help others, and for once during the assembly, we had 70% of our student population there. It was in those moments that our school became one. We don’t get those moments often. In some way, everyone participated and had fun. For me personally, the Kids for Wish Kids program allowed me to find people like me. People who wanted to help. We are the next generation, and this taught me the world is full of amazing people who are trying to make a difference.”
At Western High School, which participated in the program for the first time in 2023, the fundraiser created such a profound impact on students and faculty, it is now an annual initiative. The school is even creating a Make-A-Wish hallway in honor of all the kids whose wishes they helped to grant.
Make-A-Wish Nevada is also now accepting applications for its Youth Leadership Council, which is open to students in grades 10–12. The council members serve as Kids for Wish Kids leaders providing mentorship and vision for future campaigns.
For more information on the Make-A-Wish Nevada Kids for Wish Kids program or the Youth Leadership Council, contact Talia Tenney at taliat@nv.wish.org.
About Make-A-Wish Nevada
Make-A-Wish® Nevada creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses, empowering them with hope and strength. Established in 1982, Make-A-Wish® Nevada was originally split into Northern and Southern Nevada in 1996 but reunified as one chapter in 2024 to better serve the entire state. Over the years, more than 2,800 wishes have been granted to children across Nevada. Supported by generous donors, volunteers, and community partners, Make-A-Wish® Nevada is part of a national network that has collectively granted more than 390,000 wishes through its 57 chapters across the U.S. For more information, visit wish.org/nv
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Melissa Warren, The Warren Group: melissa@twgpr.com; 702-528-6016
