Rockaway W.I.S.H. (Women Inspired to Support & Help) was formed in 2006, from a simple meeting amongst childhood friends looking to make a difference in the community. Our motivation stemmed from other local civic organizations, mainly The Graybeards (senior basketball league turned philanthropists) & the R.I.B.S. ("Rockaway Irish Boys", who lost several friends on 9/11). After a few discussions and recruitment sessions, W.I.S.H. was up & running. With an emphasis on causes affecting women & children, our immediate efforts focused on school supply drives, holiday gift giving, and families battling illnesses. As our presence in the Rockaways became more established, both membership and fundraising quickly experienced substantial growth.

Women are attracted to join W.I.S.H. because they have an innate desire to aid & assist their neighbors in times of need, or they themselves have been a beneficiary of our good deeds. The group has become a beautiful, contagious, circle of giving that continues to attract new members, volunteers, and efforts each year.

Highlights of WISH include:

• Sports Sponsorships ~ we sponsor many sports leagues in the community.
• Treats with Santa ~ a fun event for children of all ages to make crafts and take their picture with Santa.
• Mother's Day Flowers ~ flowers delivered to moms of active duty military personnel, women who have lost children, and women battling illness.
• WISH Rocks ~ a concert benefiting children afflicted with illnesses in the neighborhood.
• School Supply and Baby Item Drives ~ we have organized collections and distributed these items to families in need.
• Financial assistance ~ for families going through difficult times and illness.
• Annual scholarship ~ monetary grant awarded to a member’s child, entering high school.
• Shining Stars ~ weekend program for 8-12 year old girls, building self-confidence & healthy habits.
• Red, WISH, and Blue ~ annual Summer kick-off fundraiser.
• Prom & Communion Dress Drive ~ collecting dresses for underprivileged girls who are celebrating these milestones.
• Catch a Cure ~ Fall 5K, honoring women who have lost their battle with cancer, & those who continue to fight the deadly disease.
• Ladies Who Brunch ~ annual Fall fundraiser, honoring local women for their community service.
• WISHING ~ we recognized people in the neighborhood who are going the extra mile to help their neighbors.

These are just a few of our initiatives and efforts W.I.S.H. has underway.

Thank you for your continued support!