November 6, 2026 – The Board of Directors of Make-A-Wish® Southern Florida, a nonprofit that grants life-changing wishes for critically-ill children, has chosen Ricky Patel as its vice chair. Patel will work with Board Chair Dennis Crowley to lead the group of business professionals and community volunteers that govern the charitable organization during its next two fiscal years.
“Make-A-Wish brings hope, joy and unforgettable memories to children and families facing some of life’s most difficult moments,” said Patel, a Delray Beach resident. “I’m truly honored to serve as vice chair and look forward to expanding our reach, inspiring our community and helping more wishes come true.”
Wish kids most often ‘wish to be’ (something), ‘wish to meet’ (someone), ‘wish to go’ (somewhere), ‘wish to have’ (something), or ‘wish to give’ (to a cause) and the nonprofit organization makes this happen for the child and his/her entire family at no cost or obligation.
Patel is managing partner at Alonso Patel Law and a former chair of the Board of Trustees for Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. “Helping children has always been at the heart of my philanthropic work,” he said.
Make-A-Wish Southern Florida (www.wish.org/sfla) has granted more than 15,000 life-changing wishes since 1983 for critically-ill children. It aims to grant a wish for every medically-eligible child in its territory and understands wishes aren’t just nice, they are necessary for kids and families at some of the most challenging times in their lives.
The Southern Florida chapter’s territory includes 22 counties/four regions: southeast and southwest Florida, the Suncoast, and Tampa Bay. It also includes the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Follow and engage with Make-A-Wish Southern Florida on Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and TikTok.
