At Ling’s Wok Shop, bold flavors and fresh, wok-fired Asian cuisine have long brought people together around the table. The Scottsdale restaurant is now giving guests a new reason to dine with purpose through Cooking With a Cause, a three-month give-back campaign benefiting Make-A-Wish Arizona, the founding chapter of the international nonprofit organization that grants life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.


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Throughout February and March, a portion of the proceeds from every dish ordered from Ling’s Favorites will be donated directly to Make-A-Wish Arizona.

“Make-A-Wish left a lasting impression on us,” said John Banquil, owner of Ling’s Wok Shop. “One of our longtime regulars served on the board, which introduced us to the organization, and after partnering with them last year, we knew this was something we wanted to continue. Their work is powerful, personal, and deeply rooted in our community.”

Make-A-Wish Arizona is celebrating 46 years of granting wishes in the state and has fulfilled more than 8,500 wishes for Arizona children since 1980. Last year alone, the organization granted a record-breaking 476 wishes, serving children across 15 counties and providing experiences that medical professionals say can improve emotional strength, resilience and treatment adherence.

“When local businesses step up, they help turn hope into reality for wish kids and their families,” said Jessica Haag, senior director of PR and marketing for Make-A-Wish Arizona.

“Partnerships like this allow us to continue granting wishes that bring joy, strength, and a sense of possibility to children facing critical illness. Every meal ordered helps move us closer to the wish of every eligible child.”

Make-A-Wish Arizona’s work spans the state and supports children with a wide range of critical medical conditions.

Core programs and services include:

  • Wish granting: Creating personalized wishes across five categories, including wishes to go, meet, have, be, or give, each designed around the child’s interests and medical needs.
  • Family support: Working closely with families throughout the wish process to provide guidance, care coordination, and emotional support.
  • Community partnerships: Collaborating with local businesses, volunteers, and donors to provide in-kind services and funding that make wishes possible.
  • Volunteer engagement: Mobilizing hundreds of trained volunteers statewide who work directly with wish children and their families.
  • Long-term impact: Delivering experiences shown to increase hope, emotional strength, and overall well-being for children undergoing serious medical treatment.

Information: Cooking With a Cause at Ling’s Wok Shop, 20511 N. Hayden Road, Suite 100, Scottsdale, throughout February and March. A portion of the proceeds from each Ling’s Favorites dish will be donated to Make-A-Wish Arizona. To view the menu or plan a visit, go to lingswokshop.com. To learn more about Make-A-Wish Arizona or support its mission, visit arizona.wish.org.