We are thrilled to announce Make-A-Wish Oregon as our spotlight charity for 2026. For over four decades, this organization has transformed the lives of children facing critical illnesses by replacing fear with confidence and anxiety with joy.

 

The Story Behind the Spark

The Make-A-Wish movement began in 1980 with a 7-year-old boy named Chris Greicius, whose dream was to be a police officer. His community in Phoenix came together to make it happen, sparking a global mission.

 

Closer to home, Make-A-Wish Oregon was founded in 1983 by a small group of dedicated volunteers in Portland. Their first wish granted was for a boy named Sam, who dreamed of meeting his hero from the TV show CHiPS. Since that first meeting, the Oregon chapter has granted over 5,600 wishes for children across Oregon and Clark County, Washington.

 

Mission & Core Values

The mission is simple but profound: "Together, we grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses."

 

A wish is not just a "nice-to-have" experience; it is a vital part of a child’s treatment journey. Research shows that children who have wishes granted can build the physical and emotional strength needed to fight a critical illness.

 

Impact by the Numbers

Every donation and volunteer hour directly fuels these life-changing moments:

• 81% of every dollar raised goes directly toward wish-granting and program expenses.

• 310+ local families are currently waiting for their wishes to come true.

• 11 Wish Ambassadors represent the chapter in 2026, sharing their firsthand stories of hope and healing.

   

How You Can Help in 2026

We have made it easy to support this incredible cause throughout our events this year. Whether you want to give a little or a lot, every contribution moves a child closer to their wish.

 

1. Visit the 501st Legion Booth

Our friends in the 501st Legion (Cloud City Garrison) are long-standing supporters of Make-A-Wish. Visit their onsite booth to:

• Take photos with your favorite Star Wars characters.

• Drop a donation into the "Bounty Buckets."

• Learn about the 501st Legion Make-A-Wish Endowment Fund, which specifically supports Star Wars-related wishes.

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2. Donate Directly

If you can't join us in person or want to make an immediate impact, you can donate through the official portal, Donate to Make-A-Wish Oregon.

All contributions are tax-deductible and stay local to support children in our community. Westside Comic Con will match donations with up to 25% of 2026 event profits.

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3. Create Your Own Fundraiser

Taking inspiration from legendary fan traditions—like Dragon Con’s "Bunny Hutch" or the solitary Jawa who plays chess for "bounties"—we are officially opening the floor to Attendee-Led Fundraisers. This is the year to turn your unique talent, hilarious costume, or niche hobby into a force for good. We want to empower you to find fun, weird, and wonderful ways to raise money for Make-A-Wish Oregon.

• How to Get Involved:

  • The "Bounty" Model: Are you a pro-level gamer or a master of a specific craft? Offer your skills in exchange for a donation. Challenge people to a round of Street Fighter or offer 5-minute sketches for a $5 contribution to the cause.

  • Themed Socials: Planning a meetup for your favorite fandom? Turn it into a "Gold Coin Social" where entry is a small donation.

  • Performative Pledges: Wear a specific (perhaps slightly embarrassing) costume all day if your personal goal is met, or vow to stay in character as a silent Jawa until your "credit pouch" is full.

• Why This Matters: When we crowd-source our creativity, the impact is exponential. One person playing chess might raise $200; fifty people doing "weird and wonderful" things can grant an entire wish.

• Ready to Launch Your Idea?

  • If you have a fundraising idea that requires a specific space or formal promotion, reach out to information@westsidecomiccon.com. We want to help highlight your efforts and ensure your "bounty" makes it safely to Make-A-Wish Oregon at the end of the weekend.

  • If your idea does not require our direct involvement you are free to implement it immediately. Please;

    • Tag Make-A-Wish Oregon and Westside Comic Con in any social posts.

    • Leverage the official portal, Donate to Make-A-Wish Oregon, to ensure funds get to the right place.

  • Pro-Tip: If your fundraiser involves a costume or a specific "shtick," make sure to carry a QR code that links directly to the official donation page so your supporters can give instantly!

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Join us in 2026 to help make the impossible possible. When a wish is granted, a child replaces "why me?" with "what's next?"