Make-A-Wish® Illinois Chapter

The Novak Family

Many years ago, John and Susan Novak took a step back to look at their lives and reflected on how incredibly blessed they were. With a healthy, happy family and a successful business, the Novak's decided they were at a point where they wanted to make a difference and give back. Thus began their incredible relationship with the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois.

"My wife Susan and I are proud to say that we

Susan and John Novak with wish child Christopher.

have been part of the Make-A-Wish family for fifteen years. Our lives have been touched as greatly as the people we served," said John. "We came to understand that these sick children and their families have found a true inner strength and the courage to deal with life when it seems so unfair. And in them, we found our own inner strength and the courage to help others in the most difficult times."

The couple began by attending the annual golf outing donating funds for a few years until they realized they could do even more by contributing their time. Shortly after Mr. Novak became a volunteer, he and his wife took the next step by becoming wish granters. Over the years, they have brought hope, strength and joy to more than a dozen wish children in suburban Chicago. John and Susan have forged lasting relationships with many of the families they have worked with through Make-A-Wish, keeping in touch long after a wish has been granted.

In 2001, John was elected to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois' board of directors. Through his years of service, he oversaw a rise in fundraising by board members due to his deep involvement and stellar example. As Board Chair, he led the Foundation to adopt a comprehensive strategic plan that is currently guiding its priorities and actions.

The Novaks have instilled such pride for Make-A-Wish within their family that their son, Jon, joined the Foundation as an Associate Board member this year. He was one of the top fundraisers for the Associate Board's fall fundraising event, and is currently helping to plan the annual Bags to Wishes Tournament. 

Understanding how important the effects of a wish can be for a wish child and his or her family has encouraged the Novak family to strive to make sure all eligible children have the option of experiencing a wish. They support the Foundation financially through the Adopt-A-Wish^Ò giving program, where they sponsor the wishes that they grant and many others. John also brought this enthusiasm into the realm of corporate giving by introducing unique opportunities for the employees within his own company. He helped the Foundation think creatively about new ways to involve corporate partners, leading to many other inspired corporate partnerships for the chapter.

Although he no longer serves on the board, Mr. and Mrs. Novak remain highly involved in the Foundation as wish granters and supporters. Their commitment to making sure that children can have magical wish experiences is inspirational to all who know them and the many they have touched through their work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.