Suzanne Sutter, president of Things Remembered, got involved with Make-A-Wish after a personal experience with a child.
Her involvement began when a young girl wished to give her loved ones personalized gifts so that she would be remembered. Make-A-Wish turned to Things Remembered, which donated 62 gifts, each engraved with the girl’s personalized message.
“The power of bringing joy and celebration to a family dealing with tragedy created a memory I will never forget,” says Sutter. “The experience caused me to become a passionate volunteer and a corporate sponsor. The rewards of granting wishes fill my heart with joy and lift my spirits every day. I feel like I am making a difference in the lives of so many deserving children.”
Sutter has been a member of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Ohio and Kentucky Board of Directors from 1999 to 2003, and a member of the National Board of Directors since 2001. In 2003, she was elected chair of the national board and has committed another two years to this volunteer position.
In 2003, Sutter organized “National Make-A-Wish Day” at all Things Remembered stores across the United States. The goal was to raise $50,000 in one day. The campaign generated $64,000 for Make-A-Wish on Dec. 6, 2003. In total, Things Remembered has contributed more than $1.5 million to this charity.
Sutter and her company are also regular givers to the United Way, Fresh Air Camp, American Cancer Society, Center for Domestic Violence and Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, to name a few.
The company has been honored by the Cause Marketing Forum in New York for best transactional campaign in recognition of the partnership among Things Remembered, Sutter and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
How to reach: Things Remembered, (440) 473-2000
