In 2022, Waite Financial Group launched its Inspiring Generosity Initiative, born from an experience Founder & CEO, Josh Waite, had on a 2015 mission trip to the Dominican Republic. A charitable giving & matching program exclusively for WFG clients, this initiative is intended to connect generous clients with amazing non-profit organizations, raising $1,000,000 over a five-year period, while inspiring other businesses to do the same. Thanks to the generosity of our amazing clients, the first year raised a total of $191,000 for Camp Hope, Crittenton Centers, and Peoria Christian School!
Building upon our initial success, on April 20th, WFG introduced Dream Center Peoria and Lifesong for Orphans as this year’s charity partners, and the recipients of our $50,000 match! Please check out the video below for details and follow up with [email protected] if you want to learn more.
Dream Center
“Find a need and fill it.” This has been the mantra at Dream Center Peoria for almost 10 years. Located in Downtown Peoria, their mission is to impact families living in poverty, starting with kids and youth. Dream Center Peoria’s core values of Dignity, Compassion and Purpose and your donations will help support an initiative focused on providing a safe shelter for pregnant teens.
Lifesong
If you have been looking for a way to support children and families impacted by the war in the Ukraine, Lifesong has been on the ground serving there for over 20 years. Lifesong seeks to mobilize the Church to care for orphans, where each member can provide a unique and special service: some to adopt, some to care, and some to give. With caring people and church partnerships, Lifesong for Orphans can support children through global orphan care ministries, Christian adoptive families, and foster care initiatives. Your donations will go directly to support building lodging for families that have left the Ukraine for safety.
Inspiring Generosity Continued
Dax Foundation/Camp Hope
Camp HOPE’s mission is to help heal the emotional wounds caused by pediatric cancer by offering free in-person and hospital based camp programs. Camp offers an opportunity to meet, bond and find understanding through shared experiences. Camp Hope’s purpose is to serve active pediatric cancer and blood disease patients, survivors, and their siblings with an in-person, week-long camp for children ages 6-16. Camp Hope understands how devastating a cancer diagnosis can be for siblings too; so each patient is allowed to bring one sibling per year.
Peoria Christian School
With over 620 students, engaging academics, and multiple co-curricular activities, Peoria Christian School continues to product academically skilled students, equipped with a biblical worldview, who will change the world!
Crittenton Centers
The Crisis Nursery is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year providing no-cost, short term emergency care, and basic need supplies for children from birth to 6 years of age for families in crisis. Crittenton Centers provides Gold Circle of Excellence rated child care and education services preparing children for kindergarten for children 6 weeks to 6 years of age. Crittenton Centers also provides no-cost services to strengthen families.
Phoenix Community Development Services
Former Board Member and active participant of the Gimme Shelter Event to end homelessness, Anne Schutt is passionate to help wherever she can. Phoenix Community Developmental Services takes part in the mission of “Turning Lives Around” reflecting a long history of serving populations of individuals who have limited resources and support systems, including those with mental health challenges, intellectual disabilities, and other special needs. In addition to the economic challenges these individuals face, a disability often further impacts access to employment, adequate housing, and services to address special needs. Anne participates each year in the “Gimme Shelter Event” to raise money for the Phoenix Community Developmental Services while also raising awareness surrounding the needs of the homeless in Central Illinois.
St. Jude Runs
With 10+ years participating in the St. Jude Runs, Melissa Malson is passionate to raise money every summer for the families of St Jude. Melissa has been an active St Jude Runner for over 10 years, celebrating year 9 in 2023 with the St. Jude Memphis to Peoria Run. St. Jude Memphis to Peoria/Satellite Run holds a very special place in the hearts of many here in Central Illinois. The inspiration of the St. Jude Runs began in Peoria, IL, in 1982, when Mike McCoy and Gene Pratt collaborated on a way to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital- their favorite charity. They first envisioned driving to St. Jude in Memphis, and then running back relay-style to Peoria, home of the Jim and Trudy Maloof St. Jude Midwest Affiliate Clinic. Now, many Runs later, their vision has become one of the foremost charity running events in the nation, having raised over $22.8 million and counting.
Outstanding Philanthropic Corporation Award
Waite Financial Group is honored to have been chosen by the Association of Fundraising Professional’s as the 2022 recipient of the Outstanding Philanthropic Corporation Award.