Community Highlights: Meet Chris Winter of Make-A-Wish

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Winter.

Hi Chris, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
About 15 years ago, I began my journey in non-profit work. That journey has included only two stops, both of which are incredibly special to me. I spent nearly 12 years at Living Water International, a Houston-based organization devoted to the provision of clean water to communities in need across the world.

During my time there, I was fortunate to work alongside unbelievably committed and talented people that were determined to use their skills to work for a better tomorrow. This experience truly opened my eyes to the power and essential nature of service to others.

After spending this time working in international development, the opportunity to lead Make-A-Wish Eastern North Carolina presented itself. This allowed me to pursue non-profit work in communities from the Triangle to the coast in service of a truly extraordinary mission.

The privilege of granting wishes to children battling a critical illness is unlike anything I have previously experienced. I am surrounded every day by a staff that gives so much of themselves to ensure each and every wish granted is truly exceptional.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Non-profit work will always be filled with challenges and struggles. However, it is precisely those challenges and struggles that compel so many to give their time, talent, and treasure.

In navigating 15+ years of non-profit work, the people I have interacted with along the way are forever an inspiration. They come together in countless ways, with maximum creativity and determination, to serve.

When these stars align, we are able to turn the struggles into remarkable opportunities to lift up individuals, families, and communities.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Make-A-Wish Eastern North Carolina is based in Raleigh and serves the 49 counties of the eastern half of North Carolina. For more than 35 years, we have granted in excess of 4000 wishes to children battling a critical illness right here in our local communities.

Staff and volunteers work throughout our entire chapter to bring the hope, joy, and strength of each wish to our wish kids. Our work is entirely local, focused on being a community partner throughout our service area. We are able to combine the global brand awareness of Make-A-Wish with the agility and relationship-building of a truly local organization.

All of the funds that we raise here in North Carolina are used to grant wishes to children in neighborhoods across Eastern North Carolina. A wish granted to a child in the midst of battling a critical illness has countless benefits and plays an essential role in the treatment plan. We partner closely with many in the pediatric medical community and see the impact that wishes produce.

Unique to our offerings is the creation and ongoing expansion of our Alumni Program. While the granting of the wish is the central moment in the timeline of our relationship with each child, our desire is for each wish kid and their family to be truly part of our wish community before and long after the granting of their wish.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I grew up the oldest of four boys in what was a highly athletic, competitive world.

Growing up playing ice hockey and golf, I was introduced early to the importance of teamwork and leadership, along with experience in dealing with both success and adversity.

The lessons learned through growing up in such an environment are still influencing me to this day. My parents and brothers were and are an incredibly supportive group that emphasized the power of relationships.

Contact Info:

• Email: cwinter@eastnc.wish.org
• Website: wish.org/eastnc
• Instagram: @makeawisheastnc
• Facebook: facebook.com/makeawisheastnc
• Twitter: @makeawisheastnc
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWUYbw64FwdEZTSv26ayqEA