Enhancing the lives of youth today for a brighter tomorrow

The San Francisco Bay Area is known for its generosity and philanthropic spirit. However, even in this resource rich area of the country, there are children who haven’t been exposed to all the opportunities this area has to offer. Through unique, event-based experiences we open their eyes to hope and possibilities.

Our mission is to create moments of wonder that spark a lifetime of joy and possibilities.

WWFC also helps amplify other non-profit youth-serving organizations by creating awareness and visibility through our events.

Since 1994 Wender Weis Foundation for Children has been committed to improving self-esteem and self-confidence of children living in underserved communities across the SF Bay Area. When children believe in themselves, they are able to develop the emotional, social, and physical skills that allow them to lead healthy, motivated, and inspired lives. We donate proceeds from our fundraising efforts to local outreach programs bridging the gap for children with inspiring opportunities.

The benefits are countless. From responsibility to trust to cooperation to gratitude, our goal is to play role in building character in the next generation.

Here’s how we do it:

Our Founder

MEET AMY

Raised in New York City, founder and President of the Wender Weis Foundation for Children, Amy Wender, was inspired by her family’s commitment to creating impact from a very young age. Many of her earliest memories include a wide variety of charitable projects including volunteering at a food kitchen, interning at the Children’s Rights Project of the American Civil Liberties Union, working at a shelter for domestic violence survivors, and volunteering at a rape crisis center.  

Her dedication to philanthropic work was also sparked by cherished family moments attending football games with her father. In addition to the joy of being with her dad and the excitement of the games, Amy loved waiting with her father to meet players after the game. During those tenuous years between childhood and adulthood, Amy was inspired by a brief conversation with a quarterback from the Dallas Cowboys. He offered her advice that helped to guide her through her decision-making in the years ahead and gave her the confidence to dream big.

After high school, Amy headed west to Stanford University, pursued a major psychology and worked as a paralegal at a Palo Alto law firm. She observed partners and associates at her firm as well as college athletes and professional athletes – people from all different backgrounds and socio-economic means – finding ways to give back to the community through volunteerism, financial contributions and in-kind support. 

When she watched a high-profile athlete begun his own foundation, Amy thought – if he could do this, why couldn’t I? In 1994, the Wender Weis Foundation for Children was created – the embodiment of her experiences growing up, and her first-hand knowledge of the power of an athlete, to inspire a young person to believe in themselves. 

Looking to learn more about the business-side of impact, Amy pursued an MBA from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University, while still running WWFC.

After receiving her MBA, Amy moved back full-time to the Bay Area, and her vision has impacted thousands of youth and their families. Through WWFC, her determination has connected hundreds of athletes and kids through shared experiences and resulted in the contribution of millions to youth-serving non-profits. 

Currently, Amy lives in Palo Alto, California with her husband and elementary-school age son. In addition to her leadership of the Wender Weis Foundation for Children, Amy serves on a wide variety of non-profit boards and always makes time to cheer on her favorite sports teams, attend the San Francisco Ballet, and spend time with family and friends. Go, Cardinal!

Media Partners

A big thanks to our faithful partners for spreading our mission.