“GRANTED” is a community–based nonprofit located in Evansville, Indiana. Years ago two local residents, Carl Wallace and Carolyn Pfaffmann founded the organization with a mission to grant once in a “Lifetime Wishes” for local children aged 3 to 18 who have been diagnosed with life-threatening or terminal conditions.
Serving a population of over one million people, they work to make “Wishes” come true for children residing in the areas of Southern Indiana, Southern Illinois, and Western Kentucky.
Formerly known as “Wish Upon A Star”, “Granted” saw its beginnings when Wallace and Pfaffmann joined forces to help Jamie Petty, a child who had been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. She had a dream of visiting Disney World so that she could meet Mickey Mouse, and thanks to the support and efforts of the Tri-State community, that “Wish” came true.
Initially intending on giving away the remaining funds to an up and coming wish-granting organization, they ultimately decided to use the money for the gap in service that was brought to their attention, as Jamie was still sick and her family was still struggling in many ways. Thus the organization was born, dedicated to granting “Wishes” and then supporting the families long afterward through a variety of programs.
With plenty of love, perseverance, and careful stewardship, “GRANTED” has proudly thrived and continuously granted Wishes to families in need for more than three decades.
In mid-2016, they were honored to be selected by the incredibly talented professionals from Evansville Design Group as their organization for the 2016-17 “Design for Good” project, and they were re-branded as Granted, donning a new look to go with our new name.
Although the brand has evolved throughout the years, their purpose remains the same; to serve our community by helping children in need by granting “Wishes”, and providing love and support to their families, and we plan on continuing to do so for many more years to come!
2020 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Susan Washburn – Director
- Teri Barnes – President
- Corey Eblen – VP/Treasurer
- Hector Rivera Fuentes-Secretary
- Precious Balczo
- Joel Fralick, Jr.
- Tiffani Hays
- Jake Hicks
- Carolyn Pfaffmann – Co-Founder
- Jeff Purdue
- Andrea Santarsiero
- Dr. John W. Streetman III
- Carl Wallace – Co-Founder
- Jeff Williams
