Kevin Heckathorn

man in blue shirt with leaves behind him

Kevin became aware of Wish Granters in 2024 when his wife, Sally, was granted a wish for a family trip to Boston. The opportunity it gave them to step away from their daily battle in her fight against cancer and enjoy being a family is a lasting memory that he and his boys will always hold dear. When Sally passed away, he knew he wanted to give back and provide the same opportunity for as many others as possible who are going through similar situations.

An Idaho native, Kevin has been in the transportation and logistics industry for over 25 years. He received an MBA from Boise State University in 2018 and lives in Meridian with his two sons. He joined Air Van Moving in 2012 and is currently the General Manager for Commercial Accounts, primarily overseeing their business relationship with HP Inc. Kevin has experience in project management, financial controls, and leadership and is excited to bring his talents to help support the Wish Granters mission!

October 29, 2025

Dena McLauchlin

woman with brown hair and dark colored jacket

Dena first started with Wish Granters in 2018 as their Director of Development and Programs. She took time off in 2021 for personal reasons, but is excited to be back. She believes in the Wish Granters mission and is excited to jump back in. Dena hosted a Ladies Day Out event in Oct 2025 that will now become a yearly event!

Dena was raised in Idaho and has two daughters and a grandson. She has a degree in Nonprofit Management and an extensive background in fundraising, event planning, and community outreach.

October 28, 2025

Kraig Wees

man with grey hair and black suit jacket

Kraig was introduced to Wish Granters when Doug & Bonnie Raper presented at the Garden Valley Chamber of Commerce. Their message hit home after losing his first-born daughter to cancer in 2020. Kraig said “I’ve seen first hand the importance of living ‘Carpe Diem’ – Wish Granters “Seizes the Day” by providing a memorable experience, important to both the grantee and their family.”

Kraig is married and lives in Crouch, ID. As a Garden Valley realtor and former president of the Chamber of Commerce, he’s hoping that his contacts will help make Wish Granters’ extension into Boise County a successful move.

October 28, 2025

Lisa Jones

woman with strawberry blonde hair

Lisa is an Idaho native, born and raised in the Magic Valley. She and her husband own Mr. Handyman, and they operated a large daycare that she started in Kimberly, Idaho, for many years prior to that. She truly loves doing anything that positively impacts her community and feels blessed to continue to be able to provide needed services here in the Treasure Valley.

She is so thankful that she has been granted the trust to help grant wishes several times in the past through Mr. Handyman, and she hopes to continue to do so. She has been blessed to have made many connections in her 4 years in the area, it is her sincere hope that she can positively impact people for years to come!

September 10, 2025

Jacey Flores

girl with glasses

Jacey was born and raised in Boise. She’s a Social Work student at Lewis-Clark State College with a passion for making the world a better place, one person at a time. Her long-term goal is to work in macro social work and influence policy that creates stronger, more compassionate systems of care within the community.

At the same time, she believes it’s just as important to stay grounded in the heart of social work: people. She said that’s what drew her to intern with Wish Granters. She said “The mission of bringing hope and joy to adults facing terminal conditions reminds me that even the smallest acts of kindness can create a lasting impact. Being part of this organization allows me to see firsthand how compassion can transform lives, and it motivates me to carry that same spirit into my future work in policy and advocacy.”

We are excited to have you intern with us, Jacey!

August 19, 2025

Dena Ferlic

woman with red hair
We are so excited to have Dena Ferlic as a Board Member and Treasurer! She is a wonderful addition to our Wish Granters team, and we look forward to the years ahead with her as a part of our organizaton. Thank you for your commitment, Dena!
April 29, 2025

Debbie McIntier

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.

April 29, 2025

Veronica Wolfe

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.

April 22, 2025

Annette Knebel

Annette

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.

November 15, 2024

Doyle Hartman

Doyle is excited to be a part of the Wish Granters team! He has been married to his wife Sheryl for 24 years. They have a 21 year son named Blake that is currently attending BSU. Doyle loves to play golf, snorkel, travel, and enjoy life to its fullest. He serves at his church, Revive Boise, and he teaches for Celebrate Recovery at Tree City Church as well. He feels that serving his community is a top priority!

He got involved with Wish Granters a couple of years ago by attending events and helping with a couple of wishes. He truly believes that we are called to take care of one another, and his heart for Wish Granters started to grow while helping with a wish. He wants to make a difference in his community, and he feels like Wish Granters is giving him a place to take action. Doyle says that if you have never partnered with Wish Granters, he encourages you to do so!
October 7, 2024

Laurie McMackin

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.

February 15, 2024

Bonnie Raper

Woman with blonde hair and glasses

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.  

January 18, 2024