When Make-aWish Foundation became an eTapestry client in 2002, they saw the benefits of having phone, radio, and internet working together during their Request-a-thon. In 2004, they took that combination one step further by incorporating e-commerce with an eTapestry online donation form.

After adding eTapestry's e-commerce module in 2004, the request-a-thon was able to reduce the time it takes to process donations by at least 50% and fulfilled 40 wishes with the $216,741 it received in pledges. Make-A-Wish processed more than 1,900 donations during the radiothon in real time.

The fundraising event saved time because volunteers entered the donor information directly into the e-commerce form. "What's nice about this is that we hit submit and it processes the order," said Robert Auman, a long time volunteer for Make-a-Wish Foundation. “eTapestry has helped the foundation cut onsite staff time for the request-a-thon in half," Auman said.

"I think we were even surprised at how smoothly it went," said Josh Esslinger, Director of Web Services, who was on-hand for tech support. "It was neat to see their reaction about the amount of work eTapestry took off their shoulders."

eTapestry didn't stop there with assisting the Make-a-Wish foundation. Since the implementation of the online donation form, eTapestry staff members have volunteered to be on hand for tech support during the Request-a-thons.

eTapestry staff have also volunteered to man the phones for the past few years. "Volunteering for this event is always a lot of fun," said Mike Rusche, VP of eTapestry Support Services. "Volunteers get to interact with the make-a-wish kids, making it a truly rewarding experience."

eTapestry staff members will volunteer again this Thursday and Friday at the 12 annual WZPL Z99.5 Request-A-Thon to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Greater Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana, Indiana Region. WZPL hopes to raise $275,000 to grant wishes of local children with life-threatening medical conditions.

Listeners can call (317) 228-1099 anytime to request a song of their choice in exchange for a gift of $20 or more. In addition to an entertaining music mix, there will be interviews with wish kids, families, volunteers and special guests.

ABOUT THE MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION®
The Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Greater Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana is celebrating 25 years of inspiring lives, one wish at a time. Since the first wish was granted in 1984, this chapter has granted more than 7,000 magical wishes. This milestone year, the chapter will work to fulfill the wishes of a record-breaking 800 local children. There are so many ways that you can help create joyful moments for local wish children. Find out how at www.makeawishindiana.org.