We recently connected with Katie Wilson and have shared our conversation below.
Katie, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Originally started as a way to give back, I spent 12 years running a charity golf outing that raised almost $100k. I’ve been lucky enough to meet so many amazing people, nonprofit leaders/founders, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters! A few years ago, I was diagnosed with a rare lymphatic disease, which made me re-evaluate my purpose, how short life is, and what makes me happiest. I decided to make my volunteer work more permanent and founded Make Miracles in December 2022. This decision was solidified when I became a volunteer patient at the NLN conference in Cleveland, Ohio. There, over 600 surgeons and therapists saw my case and determined a plan for me, and I connected with the only pediatric nonprofit for lymphedema, Brylan’s Feat Foundation. I asked them to try me out for my first fundraiser under Make Miracles and they trusted me to do it! It was then that I felt a bigger responsibility to my future and decided to pursue this full-time. My passion for supporting children’s organizations and nonprofits drives me every day, and I look forward to making a difference and continue to grow Make Miracles each year!
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Make Miracles’ brand is all about event planning with heart. While I could certainly plan detailed bridal showers, children’s birthdays, or weddings with the best of them, my true passion lies in creating fun events that make a difference. Helping people has always been my driving force, and it keeps me going every day. I began volunteering after college as a way to give back, meet people, network, and develop my communication skills, all of which boosted my confidence in my career.
Three years ago, I was diagnosed with a rare disease. This life-changing event made me reconsider who I am and what I want to achieve while I have the chance! This introspection led to the creation of my LLC, Make Miracles, in December 2022. My first fundraiser was for Brylan’s Feat Foundation, the only pediatric nonprofit for Lymphedema. This experience was incredibly special as it marked the beginning of a fulfilling journey for me and my future! I realized how many organizations are deserving of support and could benefit from assistance with resources, organization, and event execution to raise funds for their causes.
In just two years, I’ve worked with Brylan’s Feat, Esperanza, Brodie’s Good Vibe Tribe, and Hope for the Soul. From annual golf outings to a St. Patrick’s Day Battle of the Bands party, and monthly Bingo events, I’m creating diverse events tailored to the unique goals of these nonprofits. The first step is always to understand their needs, fundraising goals, and budget, then craft up something fun (and effective) to meet those objectives.
Make Miracles is open to working with any organization, big or small. While we’ve collaborated with well-known groups like the Make-A-Wish Foundation, my passion lies in supporting smaller nonprofits where we can see the direct impact of our efforts. The most rewarding part is achieving something meaningful together, knowing that attendees are contributing to a specific and impactful cause.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Empathy: By working closely with various nonprofits and families facing life-changing challenges, you develop a deep understanding and compassion for others’ struggles and needs. This quality not only enhances your personal interactions but also strengthens your ability to create meaningful and impactful events that truly resonate with the communities you serve.
Resilience: Navigating the complexities of planning and executing fundraising events, especially while managing my own health challenges, builds a strong sense of resilience. Overcoming obstacles and adapting to changing circumstances fosters a determined and steadfast attitude, essential for both personal and professional growth.
Creativity: Designing unique and engaging events that align with the missions of different nonprofits requires innovative thinking and creativity (and a huge amount of detail & organization). This quality enables you to craft memorable experiences that captivate attendees and effectively raise funds, setting Make Miracles apart from other event planning businesses.
What has helped me the most is starting out with volunteer work rather than as a business. This approach fostered a sense of trust, as it was clear that my focus was on helping people and making a difference, rather than earning money. I want my passion to be my main source of income someday, and while you have to start somewhere, building a network for 12 years and overcoming the challenges of unpaid work doing something I love laid a strong foundation for hopefully future success!
How would you describe your ideal client?
Passion for Their Cause: Nonprofits driven by a deep commitment and enthusiasm for their mission inspire me. Their dedication to making a positive impact motivates me to support their efforts through effective event planning. Their passion project becomes my passion project!
Transparency: Organizations that prioritize honesty, openness, and ethical practices in their operations are essential. I value working with those that maintain clear communication and demonstrate accountability in their initiatives.
Innovative and Creative Solutions: I appreciate nonprofits that think outside the box and implement creative strategies to address challenges or goals! Their willingness to innovate and adapt aligns with my own approach to event planning and fundraising. I’m open to trying new things and I love when they are, too!
Long-Term Impact: I seek organizations that have a clear vision for the future and work towards achieving meaningful, long-term results. We will also be able to maintain a longer lasting relationship and reach more goals when there is that vision!
These qualities ensure that our collaborations are impactful, purposeful, and aligned with Make Miracles’ mission to support and uplift those in need.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://makemiraclesllc.com (it’s almost finished but still have a couple of meetings to complete it – that’s why it doesn’t look completely done)
- Instagram: makemiracles.llc
- Facebook: working on this now but do not have a facebook yet!
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
