Photographs by William Taufic.
Organization
Make-A-Wish Foundation
Inspiration
“In 2004, our youngest son Pierce was diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma,” explains Gina Filippelli. “He was fourteen and about to start his freshman year at Greenwich High School.” During his illness Pierce was granted a wish from the Make-A-Wish Foundation. “This was before the iPhone but Pierce loved to watch Steve Jobs’ keynote addresses,” she says. “His wish was to meet Steve Jobs.”
“The whole process was so remarkable. It’s very family oriented. Apple created an amazing day for Pierce and our family in California. Pierce’s time with Steve, one-on-one, was beyond anything he expected. They talked for two hours!” The Filippellis experience inspired the whole family to volunteer with Make-A-Wish, including Pierce who is a healthy twenty-six-year-old Wish ambassador. “Being a Wish family, you know the hope, joy and strength it provides. There’s nothing quite like it,” says Gina. “I’m glad my children have grown up seeing how important it is to give back and have something you really believe in. I’ve gotten friends involved also, which makes it even more fun.”
Courage in Action
A decade ago, Gina offered to help Make-A-Wish with a fundraiser in Fairfield County, and the annual gala in Greenwich was born. “We’ve netted over $500,000 at each ball for the past five or six years,” says Gina, who sits on the board in Connecticut.
Dana McCreesh, who met Gina while their kids were being treated for cancer at Yale, comments, “Gina has been instrumental in the growth of the CT chapter. She has helped raise several million dollars, bringing on celebrity emcees and auctioneers as well as garnering support in the community. She not only cochairs the gala, but she is a wish granter, personally granting the wishes of young children and managing the process with the families from start to finish. Gina is a powerhouse.”
Hopes & Dreams
“The future looks wonderful,” says Gina. “Make-A-Wish is just taking off in Connecticut. One main objective is to get the message across that wishes are not just for terminally ill children; they are for any kids with life-threatening illnesses. We are on track to grant 240 wishes annually in Connecticut (at about $10,000 per wish). We always have been able to grant a wish, and we’ll go to the moon and back to do it.” She adds, “People have been so generous. I hope that continues!”