A resident of Las Vegas since she was just 6 months old, Linda Richardson is a pillar of our community.  She has made a profound impact on the city she so fondly calls home through her philanthropic endeavors and for over 30 years has been contributing her time, talent, and resources to some very fortunate charitable organizations.  Her exceptional commitment to improving the lives of others was recognized in 2007 with the award of the Las Vegas Chapter of American Fundraising Professionals ‘Outstanding Philanthropist Award’.

Linda’s service to the community began with the Assistance League where she became involved in Operation School Bell, which provides school clothing and supplies to children whose families could not afford such luxuries.  She also taught her children the importance of active involvement in the community, and remembers taking her daughter Melissa, just 3 years old at the time, along with her, “Melissa learned the value of volunteering by watching me donate my time”.  Linda also spent 20 years as a Board Member at the Meadows School, helping to provide a firm foundation for the children who will become our future leaders.

We were especially fortunate in 2000 when Linda joined us as a volunteer wish grantor.  She was introduced to the organization by a friend and discovered that it was a project she and her daughter Melissa could participate in together.  Many years later Linda has led Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Southern Nevada in so many different capacities.  First and foremost she is a dedicated donor and has contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars during her tenure with the organization; indeed since 2001 Linda has committed to granting one wish per month and has witnessed at first hand the positive impact that this has had on wish children and their families.  During her tenure as Chairman of our Board of Directors, Linda’s outstanding leadership skills were very much in evidence as she navigated the foundation through many significant changes.  Outside of her volunteer and governing duties, she and her husband Bill also sponsor the wish family holiday party, Santa’s Open House.  Linda has remarked that she has enjoyed “every part of this organization from being a wish granter to serving on the board” and that she feels “so lucky that I can bring hope, strength and joy to our wish children and their families”.

Remarkably her service to Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Southern Nevada doesn’t stop there.  In addition she is the brainchild and committee chair of our fabulous Annual Fashion Show Luncheon, hosted by Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining and Catering and held at the exquisite Spago Restaurant.  In 2010, the event raised over $150,000 to grant magical wishes for children with life threatening medical conditions.

Linda Richardson is an exceptional leader who is truly dedicated to giving back to her community, and making a positive impact on the lives of others.  She has succeeded in her efforts to instill strong philanthropic values in her children, peers, and the community at large, and inspiring others to give generously of their time, talent and resources.  We are incredibly thankful that Linda has given so much to the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Southern Nevada and are proud to be honoring her outstanding service.