Debbie was the Recycling Coordinator for the City of Pocatello for 29 years and is now retired. She has been a member of Idaho Central Credit Union’s Board of Directors since 2005 and currently serves as Board Chair. Debbie was previously an active member of the Credit Union’s Competitive Task force prior to being elected to the Board. She has served on several local Chamber of Commerce committees and has been actively involved with Idaho State University Athletics, NeighborWorks, March of Dimes, and United Way programs and campaigns. Debbie is also a past recipient of the American Business Women’s Association Woman of the Year and Minnie Howard Award!

Debbie and her husband, Jim, reside in Kuna, Idaho. She has three adult children, a daughter in
Meridian, Idaho, and twin sons in Los Angeles, California. Debbie has a stepson and
stepdaughter and has been blessed with five grandchildren.

She was drawn to Wish Granters after she attended the Wishes & Wine event in 2024. She saw how meaningful it can be to give someone a moment of joy when they’re facing something as overwhelming as a terminal disease. The idea of helping someone experience something they’ve long dreamed of – whether it’s seeing a special place, reconnecting with a loved one, or simply feeling celebrated – touched Debbie’s heart. She wanted to be part of something that brings hope and comfort in such a human and compassionate way, and she feels blessed to be associated with Wish Granters.

Veronica proudly served in the United States Air Force for four years before returning to her hometown
of Nampa, Idaho. She pursued her education at Northwest Nazarene University (NNU), where she
earned a master’s degree in accounting and business administration.

Veronica is an entrepreneur, owning The White Barn, a popular wedding venue in Nampa. She also
works full-time as a Consulting CFO at Clifton Larson Allen, where she brings her expertise in financial
management to help businesses.

Veronica is passionate about the outdoors and enjoys golfing, walking, and any activity that involves
soaking up the sunshine. She cherishes spending time with her family and friends. Her involvement with Wish Granters stems from her strong commitment to the organization’s mission to provide joy, hope, and fulfillment to those facing terminal illness. Veronica is dedicated to making a difference through both small and large gestures, ensuring that no one feels alone or burdened during such challenging times.

Annette Knebel has been married to her husband Ron for 25 years. They have 4 kids and 3 grandkids. Her passion has always been helping others. They were foster parents for many years and have owned their construction business for over 35 years. Annette loves to put smiles on people’s faces, especially kids. She keeps busy with school functions and sports. Her happy place is at their place in Crouch enjoying the beautiful mountains on their RZR, floating the river, and making memories with their kids and grandkids. She and Ron also enjoy going to car shows with his 1949 Studebaker truck.

As a Wish Granters board member, she loves getting to help with the memories these families get to make together that will last a lifetime. She’s honored to be a part of an amazing organization that does such wonderful things.

Laurie grew up on Long Island, 20 minutes east of New York City. She and her husband Dean have been married for 21 years, together for 24 years. Bailey, their daughter, is 13 going on 30; she is a bright and quick-witted young lady. They have two dogs: Russell, an 8-year-old mini Goldendoodle, and Winnie, a 4-year-old Bernedoodle.

Before moving to Boise 17 years ago, Laurie lived in Baltimore, MD, and Napa, CA. She and Dean wanted to be closer to his family, so they left Napa and came to Boise. She spends most of her time with family, dogs, and friends. She loves to travel, go on short hikes, and walk the dogs with her husband.

She chose to get involved with Wish Granters because of the overwhelming joy it brings to people. To be a part of an organization that allows her to participate and contribute to someone else’s happiness during a challenging time in their lives is beyond explanation and immensely fulfilling.

Bonnie is the wife of our founder, Doug Raper.  She supported Doug as he began dreaming of a non-profit to grant wishes to adults with terminal illnesses, and she was excited to see Doug’s dream become a reality in 2010. 

Bonnie was Director of On-Premise Systems for University Financial Services at Boise State University and retired in 2020.  In retirement she started a small jam business in Garden Valley and took a larger role in supporting Doug in making wishes happen.  She is excited to now be a part of the Advisory Board and to assist as the Board Secretary.  And, of course, she will continue working with Doug helping to make the magic happen for our wish recipients.

Bonnie and Doug live in Garden Valley, Idaho, with their two spoiled cats, Mac and Murphy.  Their greatest pleasure is making memories with their kids and grandkids.  In fact, if you see a crazy grandma riding ATV’s with her grandson around Garden Valley, that just may be Bonnie.  

Lew graduated with her bachelor’s degree from Boise State University in 2020 and is now working in fundraising for public radio. She has always been passionate about non-profits and finding ways to be involved, which led her to joining Wish Granters! Lew also wanted to join because of her experience as a CNA and working in hospice care. She believes in the mission and is passionate about supporting the community. Outside of Wish Granters and work, Lew spends her time watching hockey and reading just about any genre of books.

Sean first joined the Board of Directors of Wish Granters in 2019 and, in 2020, served as the Vice President. He stepped away to focus on his teenage son and career and now serves as an advisory board member.

He helped his wife run a successful company that provided therapy to children with autism for 16 years. Sean is a proud father of an extraordinary young man and had the rare opportunity to be a stay-at-home dad for seven years. In 2012, he returned to work in the traditional sense by joining St. Luke’s and now leads an IT team.

When Sean Joined Wish Granters, he brought a unique insight into the essence of the organization. In 2010, his wife Michelle was diagnosed with terminal cancer. He wrestled with balancing the duties of being a father, husband, employee, friend, and caregiver.

After years of watching his wife suffer and deteriorate, Sean felt called to explore what he could do for his wife, as well as what could make a positive, lasting memory for him and his son. He reached out to Wish Granters, and in the winter of 2015, his wife’s wish was fulfilled. They made beautiful memories in Fairbanks, Alaska, and were able to see her free from pain and fear. She had a childlike giddiness while taking in the incredible sights of the Arora Borealis, a memory they will cherish forever.

Sean’s wife passed away on Valentine’s Day 2018, but the gift provided by Wish Granters will live on forever. Sean now devotes his time and effort to Wish Granters’ development, growth, and success so many others may be blessed with a special gift that brightens lives in a tough time.

I have 2 sons and 6 grandchildren. My husband Tom and I recently celebrated our 50 year anniversary. We like Boise so much. In my 26 year career in crime prevention and as the Executive Director of the Crime Prevention of Pennsylvania, I had the opportunity to make things better for all people in the state of PA.

I was drawn to Wish Granters after I heard about how some of the wish recipients used their gifts so selflessly. One man had a backyard fountain built for his wife, while another had new windows put in for his wife. I also really like the board. Each person brings a special gift that varies from fundraising, working and organizing events, to physically making the wishes happen for each person. I am so happy I chose Wish Granters, as it is the perfect fit for me, and so satisfying.

Sarah Brown is a native Idahoan born and raised in the Treasure Valley.  She received her bachelors from NNU and an MBA from Boise State University. A serial entrepreneur, she has started and sold a number of businesses. Currently she owns a bookkeeping business and has sold real estate since 2017.  In her spare time, you can find her spending time traveling or in the mountains with her boyfriend and three dogs.

She joined Wish Granters because she likes the cause and wants to help people that are going through the biggest struggle of their lives.

Grace joined Wish Granters as an intern in January 2023, then after her internship was over, she decided to stay involved and become a Board Member! Grace joined the Wish Granters team because she believes in the mission and has always enjoyed connecting with the community.

Grace is currently working towards her Sociology degree at Boise State University with less than
a year left to go. She also has a part-time job working with adults with developmental
disabilities. When not in school or work, oftentimes you can find Grace playing online
games with friends, cooking, traveling, or spending time with her boyfriend.

What mainly drew Grace to working with Wish Granters was being able to help other terminally
ill adults and their families make lasting memories together. This is because she witnessed her
friend’s mother go through multiple types of cancer growing up, and unfortunately she passed
away in May 2014. Grace hopes to make a positive impact within the community and on the
lives of terminally ill adults across Idaho.