make-a-wish
how it began
Since 2008, Black Bear Diner has raised more than $2.2 million for Make-A-Wish of America®. Our partnership began when a local Black Bear Diner franchise owner experienced a child’s delight from a wish granted through the Make-A-Wish® organization and challenged our founders to hold an organized company-wide fundraising campaign.
Black Bear Diner teams came together to craft a creative fundraiser, called Save Room For A Wish®, that passes $1 from special limited-edition wish-inspired desserts back to Make-A-Wish®, as well as an opportunity to donate $1 or $5 wish stars. That first year, raising $15,000 on behalf of wish kids and their families felt like an ambitious goal, but when donations totaled over $47,000, the fundraiser became a holiday tradition.
2024 Save Room For A Wish® Fundraiser
I wish to swim with
dolphins in Hawaii
Amy, 13
stem cell transplant
Meet Amy a 13-year-old wish kid who is a bright and creative child. She loves to draw and animate her own artwork. Amy’s love of strawberries inspired our limited time only dessert and breakfast.
2023 Save Room For A Wish® Fundraiser
I wish to have a home gym
Avi, 15
cancer
Meet Avi a 15-year-old wish kid who loves fishing, mountain climbing, snow skiing, and especially long-distance running.
He is a fierce and goal-driven competitor—as well as a resilient
fighter, battling a rare cancer.
Avi’s love of chocolate inspired our 2023 limited time only dessert, Avi’s Avalanche.
2022 Save Room For A Wish® Fundraiser
I wish to have a
Dachshund puppy
Ronan, 7
leukemia
Meet Ronan, a 7-year-old wish kid, who loves unicorns and cupcakes, which inspired the cherry and almond flavors and lots of rainbow sprinkles for our 2022 limited time only Sweet Cream Unicorn Cupcake.
