Pledge SCAM SCAM SCAM
Posted by mcmission  |  November 16, 2009 6:26:54 AM

These guys say you've pledged in the past when you haven't and then ask if you'd like to donate again. Then they send you an invoice for your "pledge" even if you turn them down. SHAMELESS!

Response Part 4
Posted by KidsWishNetwork  |  November 11, 2009 5:16:35 AM

Last fiscal year alone our programs positively impacted the lives of over 72,000 children nationwide. <P> In closing, I believe the author of this one article set out with the intention to portray us in a negative, light regardless of the facts. Those who know us and have seen or experienced Kids Wish Network’s programs first hand are the opinions we value most. We hope you will take the time to review some of the overwhelming positive press we receive. We look ahead with great pride in knowing that the many dreams fulfilled and other achievements made at Kids Wish Network have made a huge difference in the lives of some very special and courageous children living with life-threatening illnesses. We hope you will consider becoming part of “Guardian Angel” family. <P> For the children, <P> Shelley Breiner

Response Part 3
Posted by KidsWishNetwork  |  November 11, 2009 5:16:30 AM

This program ensures that the families of our wish kids will be able to provide their child with a proper end-of-life ceremony should the need arise. The Holiday of Hope program was described merely as a hospital party, when in fact this program is considered by many to be the premier pediatric hospital event in the country. This program has placed millions of dollars of toys, into the hands of deserving children and has received accolades from the most respected childcare facilities in America. Proclamations have been issued by major city governments proclaiming the benefits of this program. Nationwide, Holiday of Hope has positively impacted thousands of deserving children and their families since its inception and our widely acclaimed Hero of the Month program is our fastest growing program due to demand from member hospitals. Every month over 100 pediatric facilities across the country participate in this program.

Response Part 2
Posted by KidsWishNetwork  |  November 11, 2009 5:16:25 AM

We would also question why the author of this article failed to inform the readers that Kids Wish Network is the only wish-granting charity that maintains an account restricted to direct wish-granting costs. This is an especially important fact, as fund raising concerns were the focus of her report. Our “Guardian Angel” account is a separately audited fund opened with a grant from Wal-Mart Foundation. This insures that 100% of any donations directed to this account benefit the children we serve, without fundraising or administrative costs. Although well aware of this fact, it is perplexing that Ms. Shoichet neglected to mention it. We firmly believe this is clear evidence of a biased agenda. <P> Ms. Shoichet only references our wish granting program. Kids Wish Network has several important programs. One of these is our funeral assistance program.

Response
Posted by KidsWishNetwork  |  November 11, 2009 5:16:21 AM

Kids Wish Network has been the subject of literally thousands of positive articles about the children we serve and the programs we provide. In 2004 a reporter at the St Pete Times published an article critical of our organization. The article focused primarily on the costs of fundraising. Fundraising costs are directly related to the age of a charity. This is because fundraising can be divided into two categories: acquisition and renewal. It is much more expensive to find a new donor (acquisition) than to ask a previous donor to help again (renewal). Therefore, a young national charity such as ours must endure higher fundraising costs until the amount of renewal donors reaches a higher level. These economies of scale have had a positive effect since this article was published five years ago, and Kids Wish Network’s fundraising costs have been consistently declining. <P>

The reality of Kids Wish Network
Posted by ATrue  |  October 29, 2009 5:46:43 AM

I would just like to comment on here because seeing these rather negative comments about the charity being a scam and whatnot is distressing and upsetting to anyone who isn’t really aware of Kids Wish Network. I can tell you from personal experience that this charity is not a “scam” or a “fraud” because I work there. I am a member of the editorial staff at Kids Wish Network and, let me tell you, I hear good things about the work we do every single day. Not just from my co-workers, but from the families of kids for whom we have granted wishes or honored as “Hero of the Month.” I hear gracious thanks from hospital staff members who participate in the Hero and Gift Bank programs; I listen to moms, dads, grandmothers, grandfathers, aunts, uncles and other family members as they tell me about the wish trip they just went on to accompany one of the wish kids; I read surveys and thank you notes from kids who have been named as “Hero of the Month” for their hospital or shelter. It’s awe-inspiring. To see the good that comes from Kids Wish Network all you need to do is to read the newspaper articles, watch the youtube videos or check out the website for pictures of kids enjoying their wishes. There is no fraud. Indeed, there is only the joy experienced by the thousands of kids that you will see displayed. On another note, there’s a comment 7 comments below mine that is dated January 15, 2009 and was posted by the mother of one of our Wish Kids that says it all. Sadly, her son Marshall passed away in August of 2008. He did have his wish granted three months prior to his passing and it really made him quite happy. I know because you can see it in the video on youtube (just search “Marshall Hill” and you’ll see for yourself). All I’m asking is that you look for yourself and don’t just take the words of others who may not have first hand experience.

charities
Posted by patience within  |  October 27, 2009 6:11:47 AM

the lives of people are so sacred only if one knew the ignorance what some seem to show through in hatredness and unkindness. to know yourself to be true to oneself to be wise above within a higher power not lower the respects of what the innocence have lost within peace and love. kids wish network-call the illinois attorney general for info concerning reports and and contracts. to be strong and never look without seeking ones most beautifulist dreams witin.

annoying phone solicitation
Posted by stacy  |  October 12, 2009 5:52:30 AM

I just received a call requesting a donation to Kids Wish....I think I have a checkmark by my name at the regional professional findraising office indicating 'easy mark'....anyway, I offered $10.00, which was $5.00 less than their minimum pledge card donation. I received a world of grief from their verifying agent, who said he couldn't send out anything - "My hands are tied". Well, I caved and said I would try to send the fifteen. Wonder if they would mail my contribution back to me if I only send the ten? And I may still do so, since I owe them a debt of gratitude. Intending to send an angry e-mail to their website, I found this site instead. No more easy mark!

donation
Posted by sjmichl  |  July 27, 2009 12:25:27 PM

i was going to donate to this charity, but after reading these comments. no way!

Info request turns in to pledge
Posted by Tricia  |  June 17, 2009 5:59:50 AM

As a professional fundraiser I know better than to give money to a cold call request. I told them I would consider a donation if they sent me some info in the mail. I soon got an invoice and then anothe and another as well as phone calls. Completely unprofessional and unethical.

Kid's Wish Network
Posted by Granny  |  March 19, 2009 10:31:44 AM

I received an unsolicited call for a donation for Kid's Wish Network. When I said I give to Make a Wish twice a year and never heard of this charity, I was told that this pledge goes directly to my area (Florida)and that I made a donation of $25 last year. After checking my checkbook, I saw I never donated to them. I called the 800 number on the pledge card and reported this and I was told indeed, I never pledged to them before and that she would report this. BEWARE of these type of calls. Anyone can say they are a charity

getting other phone solicitors now
Posted by kk  |  February 14, 2009 8:08:24 AM

I have been getting calls from charity solicitors every few days lately and was wondering why it had suddenly increased so much in frequency. The other day one told me I had helped them before so I asked her how much did I send them before. She said well, I actually hadn't helped them, but a partner company of theirs - you guessed it- Kids Wish Network. So they must have sold our name to all these other companies, thats when I started to suspect they weren't that scrupulous a company so I got on the net and checked, I'm glad I found this site. I'll certainly never give to them again.

Kids Wish Network
Posted by Marshall's Mom  |  January 15, 2009 7:13:48 AM

Wow, why don't you ask some of the parents? The Kids Wish Network has been outstanding to my family. Most importantly my son Marshall. They made his dream come true in so many ways. They provided us with a memory that will be with us forever and there is no dollar that could sum up how generous these people are. Why do you have to receive something in return for a donation? I have nothing but good things to say about The Kids Wish Network. Look at you tube........Marshall Hill.

Free Baby Blanket
Posted by garyg2  |  January 9, 2009 6:40:47 AM

These clowns sent me and probably a lot of other people a free baby blanket with this dramatic little note attached. 100% polyester. I put a match under it outside. You could have toasted marshmallows. Throw it away!!!!

Poor Judgement
Posted by Survivor in ABQ  |  September 5, 2008 12:37:52 PM

As a cancer survivor, I lean towards pledging money to cancer victims and research as well as the catastrophic happenings in the world today. I do fundraising myself and seeing the financials on this charity is embarrassing. I agree with the above comments about these PLEDGES and Commitments. I also asked to be sent information and received my invoice. This should be regulated better! And yes, there are SO many worthy charities out there to choose from. Keep looking and be selective!

Phone solicitation and bill.
Posted by watchful  |  July 11, 2008 11:03:27 AM

I also received a 'cold call' soliciting for a donation and asked them to send me information about their organization. I received a bill/pledge commitment asking for $15.

Acording to this enlightening article: [http://www.sptimes.com/2004/12/05/Northpinellas/Wish_granting_charity.shtml] They aren't very prudent with the funds! [quote] "... But only $813,934 of that went to children with life-threatening illnesses and their families, according to the charity's IRS filing for fiscal year 2002-03. Most of the money, $6.27-million, went to professional fundraisers. ..." [/quote]

See 'What To Do When A Charity Calls': http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=content.view&cpid=224

ACTIVITIES
Posted by Whiskey Moon  |  June 11, 2008 10:23:36 AM

Be careful of this "charitable".These guys apparently engaged in fronting for operators engaged in criminal activities in the state of Florida. In recent days Law Enforcement agencies througout the state have issued cease & desist orders and filed criminal charges for the illegal operation of sweepstakes/internet cafe games. these guys front and market for an out of state illegal slot machine operator called Patriot Entertainment. There are many fine charities out there that are not engaged in these types of activities, so please consider contributing to a legitimate organization.

percentage of donations
Posted by tweet  |  March 31, 2008 5:52:08 AM

Actually the previously posted commented by alphaaction is incomplete. Kids Wish Network created the Guardian Angel Fund, which was initiated with a grant from the Wal-Mart Foundation. Any donation may be directed to this fund, whereby 100% of the donation will be used for direct program service costs. NO operational expenses CAN be withdrawn from this account. This money is only used for fulfillment of a child's wish and NOT the cost/expenses of operation. So therefore if a donation IS directed to "The Guardian Angel Fund" 100% DOES go to helping to grant a wish for a "Wish Kid".

Kids Wish Network
Posted by alphaaction  |  March 17, 2008 12:31:23 PM

On "Kids Wish Network's" website they state, "One of the most important questions a donor can ask us is, 'How much of my donation will benefit the children you serve?' Kids Wish Network is proud to be unique in our response to those donors, '100 percent'." How is it possible for them to state this when their actual figures are so radically different? Only around 50% of donations go to the charity's programs. This is scandalous.

"Pledge" scam
Posted by Disappointed  |  February 19, 2008 7:10:53 AM

We have twice recieved a mailing that is identified as an invoice for a "pledge" of $25 which we did not make. I called the office and asked them for documentation that we had made such a pledge. They apologized and assured me that it was not really an invoice, but rather something mailed out by their fundraiser. They volunteered to take me off the "mailing list" and assured me we would get no more solicitations. This style of solicitatin should be illegal!

fundraising expenses
Posted by d  |  January 18, 2008 6:44:34 AM

Kids Wish Network seems to be slowly reducing their fundraising epenses, but the near 50% is not acceptable. Look at other better-rated charities instead.

Phone solicitations
Posted by Penny  |  January 11, 2008 7:21:04 AM

Someone from the Kid's Wish Network called me recently asking for a donation. I said that I don't make donations over the phone, but if they wanted to send me a brochure, I would look at it and then decide. They took that to mean "Put me down for a $35 pledge." Although I never received the pledge card, they called me again asking when they could be expecting their $35. I stated that I had pledged nothing, only said that I would look at information if they send me some in the mail. A few days later, I got a brochure...with ANOTHER $35 pledge card. I can't WAIT for them to call me back asking for their "pledge."