Children between the ages of 3 and 18 who have been diagnosed with a life-threatening or chronic illness may qualify for our program. Submissions can come from parents, guardians, hospital staff, or social workers. While we aim to help as many children as possible, each application is reviewed individually to ensure we can safely and meaningfully fulfill the request.
How do you ensure safety?
Safety is our highest priority. For in-person visits, we work directly with the child’s medical team and family to confirm the child is medically cleared for the experience. Every interaction—virtual or in-person—is carefully coordinated with respect to health guidelines, hospital policies, and family preferences. All volunteers and celebrity guests are informed of expectations and protocols beforehand to ensure a smooth, respectful experience.
How are celebrities contacted?
We connect with celebrities through their management teams, publicists, or personal networks. Our team handles all outreach, scheduling, and logistics to make participation as seamless as possible. We prioritize celebrities who are passionate about giving back and committed to creating genuine, uplifting experiences for children.
Is this the same as Make-A-Wish?
We love what Make-A-Wish does—but Keating’s Kids fills a slightly different niche. Our focus is specifically on emotional connections between children and their celebrity heroes, whether through one-on-one Zoom calls or private in-person meetings. We see ourselves as a complement to organizations like Make-A-Wish, not a competitor. The more joy we can spread together, the better.
What can donors expect?
Donors play a direct role in changing lives. Your contributions fund the logistics behind each experience—whether that’s securing a celebrity interaction, covering travel expenses, providing thoughtful gifts, or supporting our dedicated team. We provide regular updates, impact stories, and clear reporting so you can see exactly how your support brings joy, hope, and unforgettable memories to children and families who need it most.
