BALA CYNWYD, PA — On Tuesday, November 18, 2025, the magic of wish-granting found a permanent new home in Bala Cynwyd. Make-A-Wish® Philadelphia, Delaware & Susquehanna Valley officially opened the doors to "The Vince & Lynne Laino Wishing Place," a transformative new headquarters designed to serve as the central hub for creating life-changing experiences for children with critical illnesses.

The facility, unveiled during a ribbon-cutting ceremony, represents a significant milestone for the chapter. Far more than administrative offices, the new Wishing Place is an immersive environment built to spark creativity and hope. The space features enchanting thematic elements, including an indoor tree house, a LEGO room, and a fully operational wishing fountain.

“The opening of The Vince & Lynne Laino Wishing Place is a highly anticipated milestone for our chapter,” said Jennifer Davis, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware & Susquehanna Valley. “This vibrant new space reimagines the wish experience, creating an inspiring and imaginative environment where children’s dreams can take shape and every step of their journey is as memorable as the wish itself.”

A Design Rooted in Magic

Every corner of the new facility has been thoughtfully designed to make wish kids feel like VIPs from the moment they arrive. The experience begins at the Wishing Family Parking area, supported by AutoLenders, ensuring accessibility for families. Inside, the lobby features a serene Wishing Fountain, supported by Scott Gray, where children can toss a magical coin to symbolize the start of their journey.

The heart of the wish-making process will take place at The Wishing Tree, a space supported by the Ambrogi Family. Here, families will collaborate with volunteers to brainstorm and shape their personalized wishes.

For children exploring their options, the facility houses six "Think Tanks." These themed rooms reflect popular wish destinations such as Walt Disney World, Hawaii, and the Zoo. The rooms feature vibrant murals created by Philadelphia-based artist and Moore College of Art instructor Tegan Bellitta, whose pop-surrealist style brings the destinations to life.

Other features include:

  • The LEGO Room: Donated by Tina & Brian Phillips in honor of their child, Brandon, to encourage imagination.

  • Laylani Rose’s Toy Box: A toy closet dedicated to the memory of wish kid Laylani Rose, ensuring every child leaves with a smile.

  • Wishful Bites Café: A space for families to relax with snacks and ice cream.

Community Support and Legacy

The headquarters is named in honor of Vince and Lynne Laino, long-time supporters whose generosity has been instrumental in granting countless wishes in the region.

To ensure that all eligible families can access the facility regardless of their circumstances, the chapter has introduced The Wish Express, supported by Independence Blue Cross. This service covers transportation costs to and from The Wishing Place.

“From transportation to arrival, to designated parking, to sweet surprises like a fully stocked toy room, every detail has been designed with wish families in mind,” Davis added.

Since its inception in 1986, the local chapter has granted over 8,600 wishes. With the opening of The Vince & Lynne Laino Wishing Place, the organization aims to expand its reach, moving closer to its goal of granting a wish to every eligible child in the region.

For more information on the new facility or to support the mission, visit wish.org/philadesv.