Sixteen-year-old Phillip almost went to the top of the hierarchy of the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® of Mideastern Pennsylvania to get his wish. He told the chapter's vice president he wanted to meet Bill Gates because he admired him as an entrepreneur and a man who changed the course of history. Once Phillip knew he would have the opportunity, he found himself so nervous that he wrote out a list of questions so he would be sure to make intelligent inquiries.

Phillip's wish started when a limousine picked him up, his stepdad Joel, brother Michael, and mom Susan for the ride to Philadelphia International Airport. Once the group landed in Seattle, they stayed at the Edgewater Hotel for a relaxing night until another limo arrived to take them to the Microsoft campus in Redmond, Wash.

At the technological mecca, Phillip – who was shaking with excitement – and his family waited in the Microsoft Home of the Future for Mr. Gates. According to Phillip, everything in the house was voice-activated. The Microsoft chairman, who graciously grants two wishes a year through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, slipped in through a door and shook his teen admirer's hand. Then, he warmly greeted the rest of the family.

Phillip had presents for Microsoft's chief software architect. He gave him a framed, autographed picture of boxer Larry Holmes and a City of Easton pin owned by his late grandfather, who worked in a Pennsylvania sewer plant. Then, Gates invited all of them to lunch as his guests, where they dined on pizzas, Caesar salad, brownies, fruit and soda.

Microsoft officials returned the gift-giving favor by showering Phillip with presents. His souvenirs included Xbox games, a Pocket PC, a tote bag, notebooks, T-shirts and a jacket.

Phillip's family enjoyed an encompassing Microsoft experience by visiting the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Microsoft Museum, and the Microsoft Store. Later in Seattle, they checked out intriguing attractions like the Experience Music Project – an interactive music museum – and the Space Needle, a historic 605-foot landmark tower.