Make-A-Wish New Jersey Marks 40 Years of Supporting Critically Ill Children

The Monroe Township chapter has granted over 12,000 wishes since its founding. The mission "gets into your blood," says president/CEO Tom Weatherall.

The Wishing castle in Monroe Township
The Make-A-Wish New Jersey chapter in Monroe Township is the only one in the country that operates out of a castle. Photo: Courtesy of Make-A-Wish New Jersey

Make-A-Wish New Jersey is committed to granting life-changing wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses. 

This year, the New Jersey chapter is celebrating 40 years of wish-making here in the Garden State. 

“This mission is profoundly special and it gets into your blood,” says Tom Weatherall, president and CEO of the New Jersey chapter of Make-A-Wish. 

For Weatherall, helping to grant wishes in his home state is extra special. “I get to meet some of the most extraordinary and generous people in the New Jersey community,” Weatherall says. 

One of 57 chapters throughout the United States, Make-A-Wish New Jersey serves children facing critical illnesses throughout the state and has granted over 12,000 wishes here since the chapter’s founding in 1983. 

The New Jersey chapter is the only one that operates out of a castle. The Samuel and Josephine Plumeri Wishing Place, located in Monroe Township, has been operating since 2011, providing children with the space to dream up their wishes, free of the confines and stressors of hospital rooms. 

Make-A-Wish would not be able to grant these wishes without the support of their community of donors, volunteers, corporate partners, medical partners and friends. 

To learn more, visit wish.org/nj.


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