Pop Superstar Mariah Carey Begins Historic Partnership with Make-A-Wish Foundation® of America

Make-A-Wish Foundation of America
Thursday, 20 September 2001

WESTWOOD, Calif., September 20, 2001 – Amid the glitz of tonight's screening of her new feature film, Glitter, pop music megastar Mariah Carey will make two children's heartfelt dreams come true as she begins an unprecedented partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America.

Ms. Carey has announced a contribution of $100,000 to the charity, to grant wishes related to the performing arts nationwide for children with life-threatening illnesses. Such arrangements, where a benefactor designates significant funds to underwrite a specified type of wish experience, are typically made by the charity with corporations. Ms. Carey's commitment represents the first of its kind from an individual celebrity in the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America's history.

"We are delighted that Mariah Carey has chosen our children to benefit from her outstanding generosity," said Paula Van Ness, Make-A-Wish Foundation of America president and chief operating officer. "She knows that many of our children wish to either meet a famous performer or enjoy a special experience through the performing arts, and understands the hope, strength, and joy her commitment will provide. We are truly grateful."

Beyond her financial support, Ms. Carey has also committed to speak publicly on the Foundation's behalf through the media, and to act as a liaison with the celebrity community to support the wish-granting process. All the while, she continues to fulfill the many wish requests the Make-A-Wish Foundation receives from children who especially want to meet her.

Two such wishes will become reality tonight. Erika Swiggum, 18, of El Segundo, Calif., and Vanessa Primrose, 11, of Sacramento, Calif., will realize their dream of meeting the pop music superstar in a very special way. As part of their experience, Erika and Vanessa will join Ms. Carey as they walk the red carpet together to tonight's Glitter screening at the Mann's Village Theatre in Westwood.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy. It is the largest wish-granting charity in the world, with 81 chapters in the United States and its territories and 22 international affiliates spanning five continents. This year marks the 21st year of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which has granted more than 83,000 wishes to children around the world since 1980.

For more information, or to contact Make-A-Wish Foundation of America, see their website at: www.wish.org