When a child faces a critical illness, hope becomes more than just a feeling—it becomes medicine. Make-A-Wish South Carolina understands this deeply, granting life-changing wishes designed to reflect each child’s unique personality and dreams. These wishes spark hope, build strength and bring profound healing to children and their families navigating some of life’s most difficult journeys. With funds raised locally throughout the state, Make-A-Wish works tirelessly to bring as many wishes as possible to South Carolina’s children who need them most.
One of their most powerful initiatives is the W.I.S.H. (Women Inspiring Strength and Hope) Society. Every year, 10 to 12 remarkable women are chosen for their career success, civic leadership and unwavering commitment to philanthropy. From January through April, these dedicated honorees use their talents, networks and voices to lead a collective fundraising campaign—funding wishes for more than 300 children across South Carolina still waiting for their magical moment. In May, the annual W.I.S.H. Society Awards Brunch celebrates these extraordinary achievements and announces the W.I.S.H. Society Woman of the Year, the honoree whose efforts have raised the highest amount and touched the most lives.
Previous honorees include Hart Peary, Carmen Scott and Stephanie Postell—three women whose stories exemplify the heart behind this movement.
Hart is a wish mom whose son, Charlie, had his wish—Charliepaloza, a joyful celebration of friendship—granted in 2021. Two weeks later, Charlie passed, but Hart remains deeply grateful for the joy and connection the wish brought her family, giving Charlie one last unforgettable party of a lifetime. The experience transformed her grief into purpose. She became an honoree in 2024 and joined the Make-A-Wish South Carolina board following her campaign, while remaining an active wish-granting volunteer who helps other families find moments of light in their darkest times.
Scott, an attorney with Motley Rice LLC, has been volunteering and fundraising for over 20 years and currently serves as board secretary while remaining an active wish-granting volunteer. Her journey began serendipitously when she noticed an ad at an airport while traveling and felt compelled to join as a volunteer. Since then, she has only been inspired to reach greater heights, participating in both Make-A-Wish South Carolina’s Trailblaze Challenge hiking fundraiser and serving as a W.I.S.H. Society honoree. Her dedication reflects a deep belief that every child deserves to experience wonder, no matter their circumstances.
Postell joined the Make-A-Wish South Carolina board after earning the 2025 W.I.S.H. Society Woman of the Year award. Her experience as a mother gives her profound empathy for the many mothers who have nurtured their children through difficult times of illness, and this understanding has only strengthened her resolve to serve. Through her business, Anchor Plumbing, Heating and Air, both she and her husband, David Postell, have committed themselves to mentoring others, creating opportunities for growth and giving back to their community—driven especially by her passion to educate and inspire the next generation of leaders and changemakers.
The W.I.S.H. honorees’ dedication not only helps support families in their most vulnerable moments but creates a powerful ripple effect throughout the community. Their voices spread awareness, build larger networks of partnerships and showcase how personal commitment combined with shared purpose can drive meaningful change. These women prove that when we come together with intention and heart, we can create tangible outcomes that transform lives.
To learn more about Make-A-Wish South Carolina or the W.I.S.H. Society, contact Shannon Rice at sr**@*****sh.orgor visit scwishsociety.com.
By Brooke Watson