A Special Wish Foundation Celebrates 40 Years of Miracles
A Special Wish Foundation Southwest Ohio Chapter Celebrates 40 Years of Granting Wishes to Local Children
A Special Wish Foundation Celebrates 40 Years of Miracles
Since its inception in 1984, A Special Wish Foundation – Southwest Ohio Chapter (ASW) has been dedicated to bringing joy and hope to local children facing life-threatening disorders. As the organization marks its 40th anniversary, ASW proudly announces that it has granted a remarkable 1,876 wishes to deserving children in the Southwest Ohio region.
Founded in the living room of David Lantz, ASW emerged from a heartfelt desire to make dreams come true for children battling life-threatening illnesses. Inspired by the impact of a wish granted by the national office of A Special Wish Foundation, Lantz established the Dayton, Ohio Chapter which has grown into the Southwest Ohio chapter, serving 20 counties in the Southwest Ohio region.
Little did Lantz know that the first wish granted would spark a lasting partnership with a local business that has spanned four decades. On January 5, 1984, in the cozy confines of Bill’s Donut Shop in Centerville, the inaugural wish was granted to 5-year-old Bryan Collins, who was bravely facing leukemia.
Faye and Bill Elam, the owners of Bill's Donut Shop at the time, responded to Lantz's call for support and played a pivotal role in making Bryan's wish to go to Walt Disney World a reality. The smile that lit up Bryan's face upon learning about his wish was the beginning of a beautiful journey for both ASW and Bill's Donuts.
Johnnie Collins, Bryan’s mother, expressed the profound impact of the wish, “We had never been on a vacation before, and Bryan had been through so much. Getting to go to Walt Disney World was a dream come true for him.â€
The connection forged between ASW and Bill's Donuts that day has endured for 40 years. Today, under the new ownership of Marshall Lachman, Bill's Donuts continues to support A Special Wish Foundation. Lachman, acknowledging the enduring legacy, intends to continue the 40 year partnership.
ASW expresses heartfelt gratitude to the Southwest Ohio community, including local businesses, groups, clubs, and hundreds of generous donors who have played a pivotal role in making wishes come true for local children. Their unwavering support has been instrumental in fulfilling the organization's mission. As we celebrate four decades of impactful service, we look forward to continuing our mission with the ongoing support of our community.
