Willies Wishes provides scholarship opportunities and tactics for those in need of vocational assistance.

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Testimonials

"As I make the transition from dancer to full-time Realtor, I am filled with feelings of gratitude for Shotgun Willie's. During COVID quarantine I was forced to think about what life was going to be like beyond my 7inch, pink, sparkly heels. After some deep contemplating, I decided to take my people and sales skills into real estate. Willie's Wishes covered the full cost of my schooling and books in a time of financial hardship. Now, I am a fully licensed real estate agent with 3 sales already under my belt and so many more to come! I am so appreciative of the opportunities that Shotgun Willie's and the Willie's Wishes scholarship has provided me.” -Maryam AKA Samira

“I wanted to take a moment to thank you for the many opportunities I have been given through being a part of this community! I just completed my first month as a cybersecurity advisor at one of the top managed security companies in the world. I am where I am today because of all of you, and I want to say THANK YOU. When I moved to this club I was just finishing up my bachelor’s degree. I was unhappy with the direction I was going and struggling to decide what to do next. Working here gave me the money and time to explore my options in a way that would have never been possible at any of the other jobs I had had prior to this. In my years working at Shotguns, I learned to do graphic design, build websites, and started two companies. I traveled to South America, Asia, and all over Europe. Through my work at Shotgun’s, I have learned to be not only an entertainer but a businesswoman and a healer. While I learned to be a charming hustler, I also learned to be a team player, a critical thinker, and a great communicator. And after all that, with the help of the Willie’s Wishes Scholarship, I took the past 8 months to complete a course in cybersecurity and got a job in the industry. None of this would have been possible without you all, so thank you, thank you, thank you! I miss working with you all already but take every chance I get to brag about how awesome everyone here is. I hope to catch you all again soon.” -Nikita

“I became a Shotgun’s entertainer about 8 years ago in order to fund my education in the aviation field. Let’s face it - that’s the reason a lot of us girls became entertainers, because our families couldn’t afford to send us to college. So we are cutting it ourselves, but can’t do it without you! Please have the time of your life during our awesome golf tournament and in turn I encourage you to support us ladies that you love so much! :-)” -Aspen

“I am so unbelievably grateful for Willie’s Wishes and the contributions they have made towards me and my coworkers. I don’t know of any other companies that are willing to invest in the future of their people and I wouldn’t be able to accomplish any of this without their generosity. They believe in us and support us, and I am so incredibly fortunate to be a part of this family. Thank you, thank you, thank you Willie’s Wishes for everything you do for us!” -Bailee / Cass

“Today, I am deeply honored and humbled to you, expressing my profound gratitude for being chosen as a recipient of Willie’s Wishes Scholarship. To each member of the committee, every donor, and everyone involved in making this scholarship a reality, please accept my heartfelt appreciation. Your unwavering commitment to supporting students like myself on our educational journeys is truly remarkable. Your dedication to empowering young minds fills me with admiration and gratitude. This scholarship represents far more than financial assistance; it symbolizes your unwavering belief in my potential and your investment in my dreams. It is a guiding light, illuminating the path towards a brighter future. In closing, I want to express my deepest gratitude once again for the incredible opportunity. Being chosen as a recipient of the Willies Wishes Scholarship is a tremendous honor, and I will carry this honor with pride as I continue my educational journey.” -Madaline

“Receiving the Willies Wishes Scholarship has been a transformative experience for me over the past two years as a PhD student in counseling and Sport Psychology. This generous support has not only alleviated the financial burden but has also empowered me to fully immerse myself in my research and academic pursuits. This scholarship has enabled me to focus on my research, which centers on exploring the challenges women face in the field of sport psychology. By reducing financial stress, I have been able to dedicate more time and energy to conducting meaningful research, presenting at conferences, and collaborating with peers and mentors. This has significantly enriched my academic experience and contributed to the advancement of knowledge in my field. Moreover, the scholarship has provided me with the opportunity to engage in valuable practicum experiences instrumental in honing my skills. In addition to academic and professional growth, the scholarship has given me the peace of mind to maintain a healthy work-life balance. This balance is crucial for my well-being and has enabled me to stay motivated and passionate about my research and career goals. I am deeply grateful for WW and the opportunities it has afforded me. It has been a cornerstone of my success and has played a pivotal role in shaping my future as a scholar and practitioner in the field of sport psychology.

Thank you for believing in my potential and supporting my journey!” -Natalie

“Willie’s Wishes has made a tremendous impact on my life and has enable me to become the person I am today! When I first started college, I tried to take out every loan possible to continue my education. I lived in Fort Collins and was living off paycheck to paycheck and ramen noodles. Visiting a friend, I got the wild idea to give it a chance not knowing it would change my life for the better! At that time, I was debating on dropping out of school as I could no longer keep up with bills and rent. Then I was introduced to Willies Wishes, which aided me in so many ways throughout my college career. Since then, I have completed my last two years of college at CSU with a degree in apparel merchandising and design. I never thought I could graduate, and I could not have done it without the help of this program. I have since followed my passion in fashion design and landed a job with one of my favorite brands in Denver! I truly could not have made it this far without your support.” -Cierra