Eighteen-year-old Ashley, of Beaverton, dreams of making it as a runway model.  When asked why she wanted to become a model, her reply is, “I’m 5-foot-11!” Ashley has modeled since she was 14, doing local runway gigs and participating in Portland Fashion Week, but she’s waiting for her big break. 

The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Oregon provided the next step for this aspiring runway diva.  Her wish to have three “go-sees” with top modeling agencies in New York City came true last month.

During Ashley’s wish trip to NYC, she met with Ford, NEXT and IMG modeling agencies. A “go-see” is when models meet with modeling agency executives, flip through their portfolio, and show them their signature walk – runway style.  For Ashley, the modeling executives made these go-sees more than their standard quick, in-and-out visits.  Ford gave her a photo shoot, and IMG set up a surprise private lunch for Ashley with her favorite model, Maggie Riser.  In addition, IMG showed professional interest in Ashley as a young model and has exchanged emails with her for a possible follow-up visit. 

While on her trip to the Big Apple, Ashley also went site-seeing.  She visited Times Square, Rockefeller Plaza, Ground Zero, as well as the Empire State Building – where she was treated like a V.I.P. and didn’t have to wait in the three-hour long line.  Everywhere she went, she was treated very kindly.

Ashley says, “New Yorkers are NOT mean.  They’re really nice people, and the stereotype about them isn’t true.”

Recently, Ashley graduated from Merlo Station High School.  Her next step is to move to New York City if the door opens, or begin training to become an esthetician. 

Volunteer Spotlight: Jaimi and Dave Helbert

Jaimi and Dave Helbert began volunteering for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Oregon in 2003.  This Medford couple grants wishes, makes presentations, conducts radio interviews, and helps with various fundraising events in the Southern Oregon region. 

“We are part of a quality organization, one we have no hesitation about representing proudly,” says Dave.

Jaimi always had an interest in volunteering for the Foundation.  When she signed up to attend a volunteer training, she asked Dave to come with her so they could team up together to grant wishes.  They are currently working on completing their eighth wish as a wish-granting team, though both Dave and Jaimi have helped grant many other wishes in the area too.

When asked for a favorite wish, Jaimi has a hard time choosing just one.  She says each wish has been rewarding and unique in its own right.  Dave also has a number of favorite wishes, but one that really stands out is delivering a horse to a wish child and her family in Rogue River.

Jaimi and Dave appreciate the business partners they work with on wishes.  From restaurants donating for wish parties to contributions from stores for wish enhancements, they say it’s very seldom that companies deny them.

“They are happy to be a part of a child’s wish, often going above and beyond what is requested,” says Jaimi.  “This is a credit to the Foundation and its reputation.”

With the number of wishes in Southern Oregon rising, the Foundation is in need of additional volunteers in the area.  If you are interested in joining Jaimi and Dave, along with the other dedicated volunteers in the region, please contact or fill out a volunteer interest form.

Save the…month!  March 2007

12th annual Make a Million for Make-A-Wish® campaign

Calling all businesses, schools, civic clubs, organizations, and individuals too!  The annual Make a Million for Make-A-Wish® campaign kicks off on March 1, 2007, for an entire month of Make-A-Wish fundraising and outreach for wishes. 

You can help by selling star cutouts, conducting a fundraiser, donating a percentage of sales, taking your donation to any U.S. Bank, or making a donation online. 

For more information, contact Tara Wilson at or visit our Make a Million page at orwish.org.