A Historic Recognition for Disney’s Philanthropic Legacy
During the recent Disney Week of Wishes, a significant milestone was reached in the long-standing partnership between The Walt Disney Company and Make-A-Wish. Bob Iger, Disney’s former CEO and current Senior Advisor, was presented with the first-ever WishMaker Lifetime Achievement Award. This honor recognizes a legacy of leadership that has directly impacted the lives of hundreds of thousands of children facing critical illnesses.
The award was presented by Leslie Motter, the president and CEO of Make-A-Wish America, during a special event at the Disneyland Resort. The recognition highlights the scale of Disney’s commitment under Iger’s tenure, during which the company helped grant more than 110,000 wishes. In 2025 alone, Disney provided over $30 million in financial and in-kind support to Make-A-Wish, cementing its place as the organization’s largest wish granter globally.
The ‘Wishes Assemble’ Event at Avengers Campus
The award ceremony took place as part of the Wishes Assemble event, a heroic celebration held at Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure. This first-of-its-kind experience welcomed nearly 40 wish kids and their families to become the newest recruits of the Avengers. The day was filled with unique experiences, including surprise appearances by actors Anthony Mackie and Paul Bettany, who joined the families to celebrate the bravery of these young heroes.
While the event was a celebration of Bob Iger’s contributions, current Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro also emphasized that the work is far from over. D’Amaro noted that a Disney-inspired wish is granted somewhere in the world every hour of every day. This ongoing effort relies heavily on the dedication of Disney cast members, whom the company often refers to as the true WishMakers behind the magic.
Forty-Five Years of Making Magic
Disney’s relationship with Make-A-Wish dates back to 1980, when the very first official wish was granted at Disneyland for a young boy named Bopsy. Since that day, the partnership has grown to include more than 175,000 wishes granted worldwide. These experiences range from traditional park visits to elaborate, specialized events across Disney’s various platforms, including:
- Exclusive meet-and-greets with favorite characters and talent.
- Behind-the-scenes access to film and television productions.
- Immersive voyages on Disney Cruise Line.
- Sports-themed wishes facilitated through ESPN.
For guests visiting the parks, this partnership is often visible through the Make-A-Wish window dedication on Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland or the various fundraising initiatives like the specialty license plates in Florida. The WishMaker Lifetime Achievement Award serves as a reminder that the theme park experience often carries a much deeper meaning for many families, providing hope and strength during their most challenging times.
Disclaimer: This information is gathered from various online sources and news outlets. While we strive for accuracy, Disney plans and policies can change rapidly. We recommend double-checking official Disney sources for the most up-to-date information before making final travel plans.