The mission of The Rainbow Connection is to grant wishes to Michigan children with life threatening or terminal illnesses.
On May 9, 1980, Ron Dobson, his wife Janet, and their two children, Tim and Jennifer, were traveling on Ron’s private airplane to a wedding in Canada when tragedy struck. Ron’s oil pump froze up, and the plane crashed.
Tragically, Ron and the children were killed and Janet was critically injured. In August of 1980 L. Brooks Patterson, Oakland County Executive, and other dear friends held a memorial Golf Outing to raise scholarship funds in the children’s names, raising around $2300 that first year.
  
TimJennifer
From that humble beginning has evolved what is now today The Rainbow Connection, a Michigan based 501 © (3) charity dedicated to granting wishes for Michigan children who are literally fighting for their lives. Janet Dobson, wife of Ron and mother of Tim and Jennifer sits on the community based Board of Directors.
Today the Rainbow Connection’s annual budget is nearing $1,000,000 and continues to grant wishes to these brave children across Michigan. From something as simple as a computer, going to the Super Bowl, or a glorious trip to Disney World, we grant wishes throughout the year.
More than just a wish!
Special Response
Emergency support services for the wish family including assistance with utility bills, transportation costs, funeral expenses, wheelchair ramps, information and referral and a listening ear.
Enhancement program
Holiday parties and summer picnics for Wish families
Tickets for wish families for sporting and entertainment events.
College Scholarship Program
$1000 college scholarship offered twice a year to wish children.
Founder
L. Brooks Patterson
Oakland County Executive
President
Jeff Hauswirth
Hauswirth + Moncrief
Vice-President
Greg Anderson
BCBSM
2nd Vice President
Janet Dobson Vernier
Treasurer
Russ Shelton
Shelton Pontiac Buick GMC, Inc.
Secretary
Mike Zehnder
Oakland County Executive Offices
Members
Marcie Brogan – Brogan & Partners
Tom Brown – Waterfall Jewelers
Tom Celani – Luna
D’Ann Colombo – Heart of the Home Interiors
Tressa Gardner D.O. – POH Emergency Services
Fred Hoffman – Daimler Chrysler
Sean Kelly – Portfolio Analytics
Dominic J. Moceri – Moceri Companies
Julie Nicholson – District Court Judge
Art Trowbridge – VW of America (Retired)
John Welker – Numatics, Inc.
Scott Werner – Brogan & Partners
Wayne County Chapter
Anthony Abdallah – Inkster Police
Lee Capatina – ERS
Jim Rageas – Wayne County Executive Offices
Jerry Sindici – Liquidation Super Center
Vincent Toia – Plymouth Fish
Who is eligible for a wish?
Criteria for a Wish:
A child must be between the ages of 2 ½ and 18 years old.
The child has been diagnosed with a life threatening illness.
A licensed physician will verify the illness and refer the child for a wish.
The child must not have received a wish previously from any wish-granting organization.
The child lives in the state of Michigan.
Is a family’s income considered when determining a child’s eligibility for a wish?
No
Is the family included in the wish?
Yes, The Rainbow Connection will include the child’s family in the wish.
Do all the children have a “terminal” illness?
All of our wish children have been diagnosed with a medical condition that is life threatening. Thanks to the constant advances in medical technology and treatment many of our children survive their illness. We believe that having a wish to look forward to during difficult and often painful treatments and also the joy and laughter that the wish brings to the child has a positive effect on a child’s prognosis.
What’s the difference between The Rainbow Connection and Make - A -
Wish Foundation?
The Rainbow Connection was founded here in Michigan and is a local organization operating independently of any national wish granting organization. Once a child becomes a wish child at The Rainbow Connection several other supportive services are available to the child and family including but not limited to our Enhancement programs, Special Response Program and College Scholarship Program. For more information see Additional Programs.
Both The Rainbow Connection and Make - A - Wish Foundation do grant wishes and there is a mutual respect between both organizations.
Where does The Rainbow Connection get its funding?
Funding comes from individual contributions, special events, corporate donations and sponsorships, foundation grants, workplace giving programs and planned gifts.
What is the average value of a wish?
The average cost of a wish is $4500.00. This amount varies of course as each wish is a unique and special request from the individual child. A child may wish for anything from seeing the volcanoes in Hawaii to having a magically decorated bedroom “where I have never been sick” to a family excursion to Disney World! Once we know a child's special wish we do our best to make the magic to make that wish come true.
The Rainbow Connection works hard to address and cover every possible expense of the wish for the family. Costs include travel expenses, lodging, meals, and even spending money. Our goal is to provide the child and family with memories of laughter and hope without the worry of expenses.
How much of my contribution benefits the wish kids?
More than 82% of each dollar spent directly supports our wish-granting program. This percentage was arrived at by an objective outside auditor who performs a complete and thorough audit of all our finances each year. The Rainbow Connection works hard to make the most of each dollar so generously donated for our wish families.
I got a phone call from some place asking for money for wishes for Kids from some place that sounded like you. Was that The Rainbow Connection?
NO! Rainbow Connection does not, under any circumstances, engage telemarketers to raise money. The Rainbow Connection is not affiliated with any other wish granting organization. If you receive a call from someone asking for a donation, ask the caller to send more information to you.
Is my financial contribution tax deductible?
Yes. The Rainbow Connection is a 501 © (3) tax-exempt organization and your financial contributions may be deductible for federal income tax purposes. Please consult with your financial advisor to determine the extent of tax deductibility.
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