“We bring hope, joy and light to NH’s children with medically challenging conditions by providing a life changing experience. We do this by engaging community and business partners who choose to be the difference.” Mission Statement

‘Hopes Happen’

Imagine the delight in granting a dream come true to children who struggle with serious health conditions. This is the mission of High Hopes Foundation of New Hampshire, a non-profit organization headquartered in Merrimack, New Hampshire. High Hopes Foundation has brought hope, joy, and light to hundreds of New Hampshire children with medically-challenging illnesses by providing them life-enriching experiences.

This mission originated in 1983. Two neighbors, Jacque Yinger and Dawn Cavanaugh, were inspired by the unselfish community support they received to help send Jacque’s daughter Alison, a cancer patient, to Disney World to meet Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Watching Alison have fun like any other child, Jacque and Dawn concluded that other children’s lives could be similarly enriched. Because there weren’t any other New Hampshire organizations chartered to grant wishes at the time, Jacque and Dawn thereafter dedicated their lives to this calling.

Since its inception, High Hopes Foundation has granted over 540 wishes. Wishes are as unique as the children who receive them. Tanner’s wish was to receive a new, handicap-accessible van so that he could ride together with his whole family and lessen the burden on his mother (his primary caretaker). Howie got to watch the classic rivalry between the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers courtside. The Celtics organization later invited Howie to have lunch with the team. Taylor’s wish was to receive regular occupational and physical therapy in her own hot tub on the family’s backyard deck. Mariah’s wish was a day-long shopping spree, highlighted by a complimentary hotel stay. Zac spent a week at Give Kids the World with his family, where he and his brothers met Mickey Mouse. Skyler also traveled there with her family to meet Princess Ariel from the Little Mermaid. Give Kids the World, located near Disney World, was founded by Holocaust survivors and is a popular wish destination for High Hopes recipients.

High Hopes Foundation sponsors numerous community-based fundraising activities throughout the year, and benefits from the generosity of local businesses and individuals. Fundraising events include golfing, bowling, motorcycles, classic cars, and family fairs. High Hopes Foundation draws its energy from volunteers from all walks of life who love children and want to contribute time and talent to a worthy cause. You do not need to possess special talents, just a desire to help. High Hopes Foundation holds general meetings once a month. All are welcome. Come join us.

Event Schedule 2012 (Click to see calendar)

Here are our future website plans (Click to see plans)