The Wishes Foundation

The Wishes Foundation is a Fort Wayne, Indiana-based nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing joy and magic to children in need. We deliver personalized, free visits from beloved fairytale characters to pediatric hospitals, special need schools, and social service institutions, fostering one-on-one interactions and providing a much-needed dose of imagination.

Founded in 2016 by two Belmont University students, Kat O’Neill and Rachael Keneally, The Wishes Foundation has grown to serve over eighty volunteers and bring smiles to over 15,780 children annually.

Our dedicated team of character performers and assistants meticulously train in character portrayal, sensitivity, and pediatric care, ensuring each visit is a truly special and memorable experience. We are committed to providing high-quality, exact-replica costuming and custom-made costumes to represent our characters with the utmost authenticity.

Expanding our reach to the Fort Wayne area, we continue to partner with organizations like The Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt and High Hopes Development Center, bringing the magic of fairytale characters to a new community.

We strive to inspire joy and provide comfort to children facing challenging circumstances, reminding them of the power of imagination and the importance of kindness.