​​is a non-profit organization dedicated to keeping Joe's memory alive by granting wishes to those in need of a wish, especially in regards to children and both the visual and performing arts.

Our Goals

Performing Arts

Joe was a lover of theatre and the performing arts. He supported many local, community theatres and performed in hundreds of shows across Chicagoland.

In that spirit, we want to support the performing arts and local community theatre. Introducing children and young adults helps strengthen their personalities, work habits and happiness.

Visual Arts

Joe loved photography and art. Without exaggeration, Joe has taken more than a million photographs for local community theatres, schools, charities and much more.​​

​To continue his legacy, Joe’s Champagne Wishes NFP is supporting the visual arts and encouraging children and young adults to expand their experience in the visual arts environment.

Joe was a proponent of reaching and exceeding your potential. He helped many with their efforts to be a better performer, take better photos and be better people. He especially loved to help children.

Joe's Champagne Wishes NFP is focused on helping children and young adults expand their talent, experience and love for the performing arts and the visual arts.

It's All About the Kids

Can you help make a wish come true?

Joe was instrumental in my engagement day. The day was 12.13.14 and we were at Joe & Toula’s for a holiday brunch event. Like so many of his parties, Joe would open a bottle of champagne and before he did so, he would say, “Make A Wish!” in his loud, enthusiastic voice. But, this day was different…before he opened the bottle of champagne, he asked Baker what his wish was…when I looked over to him, he was down on one knee and told me his wish was for me to marry him! Thank you, Joe for bringing us together, providing the biggest surprise of my life, and for giving us the best memory of that beautiful moment.

Remembering Joe

Marjorie

Here are a few photos of Joe as Ebenezer Scrooge. But he was hardly a Scrooge! Always generous to all involved in any theatre production- especially to my son. He always took the time to talk with him, play with him and never once felt like my son was bothering him. His love of my children and even my dog, Spud, was evident every time he came over. Miss him tons!

Julie

Joe was a true mentor who taught me so many things about life and was the best tour guide a girl could have in New Orleans. An incredible friend and was the first one to ever leave me a powdered sugar hand print as a memento. Only way to eat beignets in N'awlins!

Jaime

Jennifer

It's crazy, but Joe actually loaned me his boobs for a show! Yes, they were fake boobs, but it was a grand gesture, nonetheless.

Marty

Dawn

We did several shows together, but one sticks in my head. We were doing a scene that wasn't going anywhere. We started winging it and fooling around. The director said. "I like it" and it became part of the show!

I had a quick change that wasn't so quick. Joe stayed on stage and kept the audience entertained, all while staying in character.

Gene

Mary

Leah

I have no idea how many pictures he took of how many shows and how many pictured coffee cups he gave away. He was so thoughtful.

He took pictures at my wedding and before he reception was over, he presented me with a beautiful steel print of our wedding day.

I could never pick up a check when we went out. Joe was generous to a fault