Greenville, SC – Make-A-Wish South Carolina is thrilled to announce the promotion of Kea Wade to Director of Corporate and Community Engagement. Since joining the chapter in May 2018, Kea has demonstrated exceptional leadership, cultivating meaningful partnerships and driving impactful fundraising initiatives to help fulfill life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.
Over the past five years, Kea has established herself as a trusted partner to some of the chapter’s largest funders, including the TD SYNNEX Share the Magic initiative. Her achievements have been nothing short of remarkable. Under her leadership, the chapter exceeded $1 million in corporate support for FY24 and received the 2024 Fundraising Excellence Award for Corporate Support from Make-A-Wish America. Kea also spearheaded a new corporate campaign that raised nearly $150,000 in its first year, benefiting five Make-A-Wish chapters across three states.
Kea’s accomplishments extend beyond her fundraising success. She has been a driving force behind the chapter’s Subaru Share the Love partnerships, securing Hometown Charity designations, and was instrumental in ensuring Make-A-Wish South Carolina consistently led all nonprofit partners in the Share the Magic initiative for three consecutive years. Her dedication and expertise have also earned her several honors, including being named Greenville Business Top 40 Under 40 and AFP Fundraiser of the Year for the Upstate in 2023.
“Kea’s ability to build strong, meaningful relationships with partners and make them feel valued is unparalleled,” said Misty Farmer, President & CEO of Make-A-Wish South Carolina. “Her passion, creativity, and unwavering commitment to our mission inspire everyone around her. We are proud to celebrate this well-deserved promotion and look forward to the continued impact she will make in her new role.”
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Kea recently earned her Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) credentials and was selected to serve on the Make-A-Wish America Revenue Advancement Network, further solidifying her reputation as a leader in the nonprofit sector.
A recent testimonial from Ryan Schalles, Culver’s Franchising System, highlights Kea’s impact:
“Kea has been an inspirational part of engaging Culver’s franchisees across South Carolina, motivating them to make a positive impact through Make-A-Wish. Her creativity, support, and genuine care have built strong relationships that feel like family. We truly appreciate the partnership and everything she brings to it.”
Please join us in congratulating Kea on her well-earned promotion as she continues to lead and inspire meaningful collaborations that transform lives through the power of a wish.