Frequently Asked Questions

Has this wish increased donations?

We were delighted by the response we got from across the Bay Area, the country and worldwide. We saw an increase in offers of help across all areas, including donations, volunteers, referrals and other services. In fact, the volume of traffic on our servers caused our system-wide websites to go down for several hours on the day of his wish! But Miles’ wish to be Batkid was not a fundraising event and we do not have numbers to share.

How much did this wish cost?

This wish would never have been possible without the assistance of countless individuals, businesses, and city services. It is not our practice to share the costs associated with specific wishes, but the average wish cost is $10,000 and we have never turned a child away or put them on a waiting list for lack of funding.

What did it cost the mayor’s office?

When the event grew from a few hundred people on the steps of City Hall to what would become a 20,000+ crowd and an event that would be broadcast to the world, a different set up was required quickly. The mayor’s office worked closely with Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area to successfully co-host the Civic Center public viewing event. After the wish took place, Make-A-Wish donors John and Marcia Goldman stepped forward to cover the entire cost to the city. Miles brought smiles and hope to children living with life threatening medical conditions in San Francisco and all over the world. San Francisco is proud to have been a part of this once in a lifetime event.

Is it possible to talk to Miles or his family?

Due to the exceptionally high media interest in Miles’ wish, we received a significant number of interview requests immediately following his wish. We were truly awestruck by the response to Miles' wish from the people of San Francisco (and beyond) and the media. It was an exhilarating day for Miles and his family, but they would like to remain out of the limelight. We appreciate your understanding.

Is it possible to talk to a staff person, Batman, etc?

Please contact our marketing & communications director, Linda Anderberg, at ynaqreoret@fs.jvfu.bet or 415-321-7388 for further information or interview requests.



How did this wish come about?

Miles was referred to us in February 2013 and we started planning this wish in March of that year. We began by talking to the Chief of Police and the Mayor’s Office. Both were immediately willing to help and very enthusiastic. Next we located two batmobiles, contacted Eric Johnston, who played Batman, and talked in more detail with the family to find out what Miles liked most about Batman. We also took into consideration his age and what time of year would be best for him, in terms of his treatment schedule. We decided on a date in mid-November since we knew he would be done by treatment then, and because it worked best for his parents’ work schedule.

How did this become such a public wish?

We rarely have opportunities for the public to participate in a wish, but we knew this wish offered that. We planned to invite volunteers and donors to join us for a ceremony at City Hall where Miles would receive the key to the city from Mayor Ed Lee, and hoped to have approximately 200-300 in attendance based on our experience with previous public wishes. Through the power of social media and the internet, this request was publicized widely and went viral.

And if you like numbers, we’ve got ‘em!