The Association of Wish Granting Organizations, Inc.
THE STORY OF AWGO
In the early 1980s, a new kind of charitable organization emerged with a mission to bring hope and joy to children and adults facing serious, often life-threatening health challenges. These organizations were established to grant the wishes and dreams of individuals with chronic, life-threatening, and terminal illnesses.
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​During this time, many independent wish-granting organizations were created across the U.S. and globally. Known by various names, such as A Child's Wish of Greater New Orleans, A Wish Come True of Rhode Island, a Wish with Wings of Texas, Carolina Sunshine for Children, Cystic Fibrosis Dream Holidays of England, and more, each of these organizations dedicated themselves to fulfilling meaningful wishes for those in need.
In 1990, Dr. Tom Dovel, a professor at a university in Dayton, Ohio, designed a unique project for his marketing class, inspired by his role on the board of a wish-granting organization. Dr. Dovel aimed to demonstrate the profound impact of giving back to those facing significant challenges. Through this project, he and his students developed strategies, tactics, and ethical guidelines that soon proved valuable to other wish and dream-granting organizations.
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​Recognizing the broader potential of these ideas, Dr. Dovel organized the first "Conference of Wish Granting Organizations" in Dayton in 1992. He envisioned a collaborative network that would promote open, positive communication among wish-granting organizations, ultimately benefiting the individuals they served.
After three years of informal collaboration, the founding organizations officially established The Association of Wish Granting Organizations, Inc. (AWGO) in 1995 as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. This formalization united wish-granting organizations under a shared commitment to ethical standards and collaborative support. Membership in AWGO guarantees that donations are managed responsibly, maximizing funds directed toward fulfilling each organization’s mission and enhancing the impact of wish-granting efforts.
