Jim Paulson first became aware of the organization’s lofty goals and objectives in 2014, when a friend of his was granted a wish for his family. He started attending functions and fund raisers. Jim joined the Wish Granters Board of Directors in 2018. He also serves as Communications and Marketing Director.

Jim is also the owner and broker of Progressive Realty Corporation, and has been a licensed Realtor in Idaho since 1991. Prior to that, he was a Marketing and Planning Specialist for Morrison-Knudsen Corporation, starting work for them his senior year at Boise State University.

Jim brings a unique perspective to the board. His wife had already been diagnosed with terminal stage IV uterine cancer when he first learned about Wish Granters. He saw firsthand the impacts on the terminally ill person, their entire family, and those around them. He learned about palliative health care, hospice, and more. He is passionate about taking his experiences to help others.

Sharon became a part of the Wish Granters Board of Directors when an opening came available: “I am happy to be a part of such an amazing organization that can leave everlasting memories for our wish recipients.”

Sharon is a proud mother of 3 wonderful sons and a new grandma. She welcomed her newest furry friend, Lucky, as the winner of a live auction through Wish Granters annual fundraising event 3 years ago.

Sharon graduated with a BS in business at CSU, Stanislaus in California. Her career has always been customer service driven, but mostly concentrated in managerial roles. For the past 8 years, she has served as the office manager/controller at Great Basin Inc. She enjoys family time, fishing, games, cooking, baking, music, hiking, gardening, photography, arts & crafts.

“To those who are given much, much is expected!”

That is Cherie’s motto, which she tries to practice whenever possible. Cherie joined the Wish Granters board in 2011 after hearing from one of her friends the amazing things that they did for dying adults. She lost her father to Parkinson’s disease and her mother to ovarian cancer, and has witnessed firsthand the impact illness makes on a family. “To come alongside a family and grant a wish, and leave the loved ones left behind a memory is something that I totally want to be a part of!” Cherie worked in radio for 20 years and learned the importance of making an impact for the community that supported her.

Cherie’s biggest contribution for Wish Granters has been at Valentine’s Day. Along with a dear friend, they create and sell over 100 handmade valentines each year. To date, they have raised close to $10,000 for Wish Granters: “For each card I design and then make, I know I am helping to grant a wish for someone terminally ill. That makes the hours of work more rewarding.”

Cherie is so excited about the future of Wish Granters and hopes to see it serve more counties in Idaho. She loves to be a part of wishes and watch the impact they make on families and friends: “I always take tissues, as each wish granted is such an emotional moment.”

Cherie served as Vice-President for 2 years and was elected President in 2019, serving for 2 years in that capacity.