About Us
Since 1983, Wishing Star has been dedicated to empowering children and families to face their medical treatments and the loneliness associated with being sick.
Founded by Karen and Ed Kurowski (pictured), Wishing Star began as a wish granting organization, but quickly grew into a strong community of support for families caring for children waging war against incredible odds. Volunteers and donors sprang up all over Idaho and Eastern and Central Washington. These caring people raised friends and funds. They met with families, listened to wishes, made dreams come true and built long-lasting supportive relationships. When volunteers saw wish families struggling emotionally and financially for years, Wishing Star added other programs to assist the entire family.
Our Team
Katie Prugh
Executive Director
Cindy Guthrie-Tripp
Director of Community Partnerships & Development
Avery De La Rosa
Wish Programs Manager, Spokane & Coeur d’Alene
Ashleigh Rogers
Wish programs & outreach manager, Tri-Cities
Darci Smith
office manager
Andreya Land
Programs Coordinator
Our Board
Jake Patterson
BOARD CHAIR
SR. AFFINITY PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER, BECU
JOINED BOARD OF DIRECTORS IN 2023
Cari Grandstaff
PAST Chair
ASSISTANT VICE-PRESIDENT ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER, WASHINGTON TRUST BANK
JOINED BOARD OF DIRECTORS IN 2023
Christie Vranich
Vice Chair
DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC SUPPORT, BECU
JOINED BOARD OF DIRECTORS IN 2019
John McDonagh
Treasurer
Partner-Fig. 1 Patents
Joined Board 2025
Samira Salkic
Secretary
AVP Business Banking Relationship Manager
Joined Board 2025
John Henker
Legacy Board Member
FINANCIAL ADVISOR WITH EAGLE STRATEGIES LLC & NEW YORK LIFE CO.
JOINED BOARD OF DIRECTORS IN 2015
Marva Ulleland
Legacy Board Member
VP OF OPERATIONS, INSURANCE SERVICES WITH NORTHWEST FARM CREDIT SERVICES
JOINED BOARD OF DIRECTORS IN 2015
Jenel Harju
Trustee
Senior Client Relations Director, Marsh McLennan Agency
Joined Board of Directors in 2024
Josh Cox
Trustee
Assistant Athletic Director/ Development – Gonzaga University
Joined Board 2025
Lynn Tanasse
Trustee
Retired IT Professional
Joined Board 2026
Ben Walker
Trustee
SYSA
Joined Board 2026
Aaron Niehuser
Trustee
International Aerospace Coatings
Joined Board 2026
Our Advisory Councils
TRI-CITIES ADVISORY COUNCIL
Mayrene McCabe
Kennewick School District
Mike McCabe
Sinclair Broadcasting
Brooklyn Reeder
Marsh McLennan Agency
Makena Hunter
New York Life
Ashley Guillen
Benton County Sheriff’s Office
Joel Byam
Yakima County Fire District 5
TJ Woffinden
Retired
Marci Woffinden
Retired
Whitney Brigham
ICCU
Lenise Taylor
Registered Nurse
Laci Tolar
Toyota of Tri-Cities
Kevin Oleson
Paradise Travel
Michelle Wilson
Retter & Company-Sotheby’s International Realty
SPOKANE ADVISORY COUNCIL
Terra Mayabb
US BANK
Hayley Guenther
KHQ TV
Stephanie Jones
Exit Real Estate Professionals
Jamie Patrick
Stephens Media Group
Josh Zartman
Marsh McLennan Agency
Ben Walker
Acme Concrete and Paving
Fernando Jauretche
Freeform
Paul Howe
Alhi luxury global sales
Kelly Brown
ICCU
Allie Hyams
Providence
Tyler Jackson
Aliant Employee Benefits
Jasmin Davis
EWU
Our Impact
640+
Wishes Granted
More than 640 wishes granted since our founding
30+
Wishes in the Works
Over 50 children are waiting for their wish to be granted
29
Families Supported
Through our 2025 Christmas Giving Program
43
Years Strong
We’ve been granting wishes since 1983.
Learn about our Wish Programs
