Andy Dunning and Jaime Wester make transformational seven-figure gift to make-a-wish North Texas for Fort Worth children

Inaugural commitment of its size designated specifically for Fort Worth will help grant wishes for local children with critical illnesses


DALLAS –August 28, 2026– Make-A-Wish North Texas today announced a transformational seven-figure gift from Andy Dunning and Jaime Wester in support of its “Two Years, Too Long” campaign, helping grant life-changing wishes and reduce the wait for children with critical illnesses in the Fort Worth area.

The commitment marks the first gift of its size designated specifically for Fort Worth area children, helping Make-A-Wish North Texas address the growing number of local children waiting for wishes. Approximately 380 children in the Fort Worth area are currently waiting for their wishes to be granted.

“Make-A-Wish has been an important part of my life since 1998, and Jaime and I have always felt a calling to give back,” said Andy Dunning. “Fort Worth is our home, and we’re honored to make this $1 million commitment specifically for children in the Fort Worth area who are waiting for their wishes to be granted, and for the families who support them every step of the way, helping make more moments of hope and joy possible.”

The gift continues the longstanding relationship with Make-A-Wish North Texas. Andy first became involved with the organization in 1998 and served as the Wish Night auctioneer for more than two decades, helping generate significant support for the Make-A-Wish North Texas mission. Andy and Jaime also served as Wish Night co-chairs in 2016, the first year the event raised more than $2 million.

“Andy and Jaime have supported our mission for decades, and this extraordinary gift reflects their deep commitment to Fort Worth area children and families,” said Kim Elenez, CEO of Make-A-Wish North Texas. “Their generosity will build critical momentum for our ‘Two Years, Too Long’ campaign, allowing us to grant wishes more quickly while inspiring others across Fort Worth to help ensure no eligible child waits longer than necessary for hope and joy.”

The announcement also received special recognition from the City of Fort Worth, with Mayor Pro Tem and District 2 City Councilmember Carlos Flores presenting a proclamation highlighting Make-A-Wish North Texas’ work and the urgent need to support Fort Worth area children waiting for wishes. The recognition reinforced the community-wide role donors, businesses and local leaders can play in helping grant wishes sooner.

Andy will officially begin his role as Chairman of the Make-A-Wish North Texas Board of Directors on Sept. 1, 2026. He joined the board in 2024 and has remained a dedicated advocate for bringing the power of a wish to children and families throughout the region.

“As I step into the role of Chairman of the Make-A-Wish North Texas Board, I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue serving a mission that has been close to my heart for nearly three decades,” said Dunning.

Andy Dunning is a nationally recognized entrepreneur and award-winning auctioneer with more than three decades of experience building and growing successful businesses. As founder and CEO of Dealers Auction Xchange, he has led the company’s growth to locations in Rockwall, Amarillo and Wichita Falls, Texas, and Tampa, Florida.

Jaime Wester is a Fort Worth native, leading Coldwell Banker Realty real estate agent, managing partner of James & James Properties and longtime community advocate. She is also a member of Ladies on the Lamb, supporting young agricultural exhibitors through the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo’s Junior Sale of Champions.

Research shows that wishes can have a meaningful impact on a child’s emotional and physical well-being during treatment while strengthening families and creating lasting moments of encouragement during extraordinarily difficult circumstances.

Each year, more than 1,100 children across the North Texas territory are newly diagnosed with critical illnesses. Through the support of donors, volunteers and community partners, Make-A-Wish North Texas is working toward a future in which every eligible child can experience the power of a wish without delay.

To learn more or support wishes for Fort Worth children, visit wish.org/ntx<http://wish.org/ntx>.

ABOUT MAKE-A-WISH NORTH TEXAS

Make-A-Wish North Texas creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Together with generous donors, supporters, staff and volunteers, Make-A-Wish North Texas delivers hope and joy to children and their families when they need it most. Make-A-Wish North Texas aims to bring the power of a wish to every child with a critical illness because wish experiences can help improve emotional and physical health. For more information about Make-A-Wish North Texas, visit wish.org/ntx<https://wish.org/ntx> or follow us on Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/makeawishnt>, Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/makeawishnt/>, YouTube<https://www.youtube.com/makeawishnorthtexas> and LinkedIn<https://www.linkedin.com/company/make-a-wish-foundation-of-north-texas/>.