By Niamh Ryan - Reading time 1 min
London, United Kingdom, April 30, 2026 – Make‑A‑Wish International brought together senior corporate leaders, philanthropy partners, and supporters at The Savoy this week for its inaugural Leadership for Impact Summit, held in celebration of World Wish Day and focused on how long‑term, values‑led collaboration can drive sustained social impact for children with critical illnesses.
Observed globally each year on April 29, World Wish Day marks the anniversary of the wish of Chris Greicius – the wish that inspired the Make‑A‑Wish movement nearly five decades ago. The summit was intentionally timed around this global moment to reflect on the enduring power of a wish and the role long‑term partnerships with the private sector play in creating lasting impact.
The summit was designed to strengthen relationships, share partnership models, and spark innovation around purpose‑driven collaboration. Discussions explored how sustained alignment can help accelerate social impact while also supporting ESG priorities, stakeholder engagement, and brand purpose. Participants also discussed the unique opportunity partnerships with Make‑A‑Wish offer to be part of powerful storytelling – authentic, human‑centered stories that bring together lived experience, purpose and universal values , helping organizations connect meaningfully with their audiences.
The afternoon programme featured a panel discussion moderated by Aliénor Descours de Guernon, Director of Corporate Alliances at Make‑A‑Wish International, with senior leaders from global companies that support the organisation’s mission, spanning marketing, ESG, and digital engagement. Panelists Joss Hastings, Global Vice President of Marketing at The Walt Disney Company; Ellen Jones, Head of ESG at Formula 1; and Laura Kaye, Global Social Media Director at Booking.com, shared perspectives on how long‑term, values‑led partnership can drive meaningful social and brand impact.
The summit also offered a personal perspective on impact through the presence of Patrick O’Hora, a wish alum. Diagnosed with osteosarcoma as a young teenager, Patrick developed a strong passion for Formula 1 during his treatment, which later became the focus of his wish through a behind‑the‑scenes experience at pre‑season testing with Lewis Hamilton and the Mercedes team. At a reception following the panel, Patrick and his father, Darren O’Hora, who is a board member of Make-A-Wish Ireland, reflected on their wish journey, sharing what the experience meant to them and how it continues to resonate for their family.
Special guests included Linda Pauling, Make‑A‑Wish Co‑Founder and mother of Chris Greicius, Make-A-Wish International President and CEO, Luciano Manzo, and VP of Fundraising Fiona Kearney, Make-A-Wish International board members Niv Garih and Damian Thronton and philanthropist Romina Hakko. The program concluded with a reception, followed by a private Leaders for Wishes dinner, creating space for deeper discussion and connection between Make‑A‑Wish leadership and key individual supporters.
“Partnership is at the heart of everything we do,” said Luciano Manzo, President and CEO of Make‑A‑Wish International. “When companies and individuals align with our mission, they help create lasting impact for children with critical illnesses and their families around the world. These partnerships also give organizations the opportunity to put their values into action – building trust, deepening stakeholder engagement, and authentically demonstrating what their brand stands for through meaningful social impact.”
“Working with Make‑A‑Wish International has shown us that purpose‑led partnerships, when approached authentically, can deliver meaningful impact while supporting business priorities,” said Laura Kaye, Global Social Media Director at Booking.com. “It is inspiring to see how social impact can be embedded into growth and decision‑making from the outset.”
To find out how you can help make wishes come true, visit worldwish.org.
