Make-a-Wish Minnesota Celebrates 45 Years of Granting Wishes

Nonprofit marks milestone of supporting families with critically ill children

Mar. 12, 2026 at 8:49pm

Make-a-Wish Minnesota is celebrating nearly 45 years of granting wishes for children with critical illnesses. The organization has fulfilled over 7,000 wishes statewide since 1982 and is looking to reach more eligible children while seeking additional donors and volunteers.

Why it matters

Make-a-Wish provides crucial support and joy to families during incredibly difficult times, offering a reprieve from the challenges of caring for a critically ill child. The organization's long history of service in Minnesota demonstrates its commitment to the community and the lasting impact it has on the lives of recipients.

The details

On Thursday, Make-a-Wish Minnesota leaders gathered at Essentia Health-St. Mary's Medical Center in Duluth for a ribbon cutting ceremony with the local chamber of commerce to celebrate their partnership. The nonprofit says it granted 10 wishes in the Duluth area last year as part of its statewide efforts.

  • Make-a-Wish Minnesota has been operating for nearly 45 years, since 1982.
  • The organization granted over 7,000 wishes statewide since its founding.
  • In 2022, Make-a-Wish Minnesota fulfilled 10 wishes in the Duluth area.

The players

Make-a-Wish Minnesota

A nonprofit organization that grants wishes for children with critical illnesses, providing crucial support and joy to families during difficult times.

Essentia Health-St. Mary's Medical Center

A hospital in Duluth, Minnesota that partnered with Make-a-Wish Minnesota for a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate their collaborative work.

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The takeaway

Make-a-Wish Minnesota's 45-year legacy of granting wishes demonstrates the profound impact a community-driven nonprofit can have on the lives of critically ill children and their families, providing hope, joy, and lasting memories during incredibly difficult times.