WITH OUR BEST
Spring 2014
michigan.wish.org
Happy Birthday Make-A-Wish® Michigan! This year Make-A-Wish Michigan celebrates its 30th birthday – a celebration of three decades of wish granting in Michigan. We granted our first wish on January 30, 1984 to11-yearold Joshua from Tecumseh, who had a malignant brain tumor and wished to visit Walt Disney World ® Resort. That first year, 15 Michigan kids experienced the uplifting power of a wish.
Chloe explores national park on horseback Every summer, Chloe and her family had a tradition. The family of five would pack up, pull out the map and escape to a campground. “As Christa (Chloe’s mom) and I are both teachers, we are used to spending the whole summer together as a family, traveling and camping,” said Chloe’s dad,
Kip. “But, chemotherapy treatments changed all of that in the summer of 2011.” Chloe, the youngest of three, was 4 years old when she was diagnosed with a rare, life-threatening childhood cancer that affects the kidneys.
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Since then we have granted more than 7,500 wishes to Michigan kids, providing great hope, strength and joy in the midst of their serious medical challenges. In the chapter’s 30th year, our goal is to reach more than 400 kids throughout the state and share the game-changing impact of a wish come true. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
Make-A-Wish Michigan Staff
Happy Birthday Make-A-Wish Michigan!
Karen Davis President & CEO Jennifer Connery Chief Operating Officer
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Andrea Ayres Executive Assistant
“We are so excited to celebrate 30 years of wish granting in Michigan,” said Karen Davis, president & CEO. “From the moment a child begins anticipating a wish, through the planning and cherished memories created during the wish, the experience creates unforgettable moments for the child and family.
Communications Leah Borst Communications Manager Sherri Collins Vice President of Marketing & Brand Advancement Ashley Cummins Communications Coordinator
“Throughout 2014, we look forward to sharing inspiring stories from throughout the decades of our wish kids and the vital role the wish experience played in their lives as they battled their medical challenges.”
Development & Philanthropy Kedrin Gall WAM Manager - Community and Rider Relations Lauren Metzendorf In-kind Manager, PT
Our 30th Birthday will be celebrated at our signature events, including Wish Ball, Walk For Wishes®, and the Wish-A-Mile® Bicycle Tour – as well as other activities that will highlight wish kids and supporters whose deep commitment to our mission has created life-changing moments for so many Michigan families.
Kelli Jo Peltier WAM Logistics Manager Julie Pendell Vice President of Development Christine Pickering Grants Coordinator, PT
We invite you to join us this year as we celebrate and honor all of those who have helped to share the power of a wish®.
Susan Raymer Donor Care Manager Susan Smith Development Manager Laura Town Director of Corporate Development Ellie Wilcox Development Manager
Steve and Brenda Heacock
Dear friends, “What makes your heart leap?” Dr. Jonas Salk uses this quote by Socrates to illustrate the importance of knowing the purpose one can serve in life, the passion that gives life meaning. The thing that made Dr. Salk’s heart leap was the hope that his scientific research would eventually help prevent polio. And it did. Because of his passion, the polio epidemic that annually claimed thousands was virtually eradicated in the United States. At Make-A-Wish Michigan, our hearts leap with the passion we share for wish kids and wish families. This passion is reflected in the perseverance of childhood, which will not be denied its fun and joy, and the bottomless reservoir of love that parents draw from during long clinic days. We see all around us a love of life and passion for families who need, even if just for a short time, the hope, strength and joy that Make-A-Wish provides. Because of your passion, families facing the biggest challenges of their lives have a time of respite, a moment of normalcy and a renewed joy for life and being. Thank you for your commitment. I look forward to working with you as we celebrate three decades of granting wishes in our Michigan community! Best wishes,
Steve Heacock Chairman of the Board F Y
2 0 1 4
OFFIC E R S
Chairman Steve Heacock Senior VP, Community Relations Spectrum Health Grand Rapids
B O A R D
O F
Vice Chair Rob Casalou President & CEO St. Joseph Mercy Hospitals Ypsilanti
D I R E C T O R S Treasurer John Lallo CFO & Vice President Roskam Baking Co. Grand Rapids
Secretary Joe Ziniti Senior Vice President Penske Automotive Group Bloomfield Hills
BOARD MEMB E R S
Shirlee Bobryk Attorney/Shareholder White, Schneider, Young & Chiodini, P.C. Okemos
Janette Ferrantino Community Volunteer Ann Arbor Rich Harshbarger Chief Executive Officer Running USA Royal Oak
Finance & Operations Dawn Antonelli Office Administrator
Dear wish friends,
Margaret Stevens Accountant, PT
I am so grateful for the important role each of our supporters play in our ability to fulfill our Make-A-Wish mission. From volunteer time and financial contributions, to sharing our mission in the community and attending our events and activities, our Michigan community is inspiring. In February, we hosted two appreciation events – one in Novi and one in Grand Rapids – where we recognized our 2013 award recipients for their extraordinary contributions. This outstanding group (listed below) represents all of our supporters who make a tremendous difference for our wish kids every day. Your care and support make wishes possible! It is a tremendous gift to share this mission with each of you – please join us at an upcoming Make-A-Wish activity this year and help us launch into our next decade of granting wishes to courageous kids like Lily. Thank you for helping to create lifechanging experiences for our wish children and families! With gratitude,
Kim Wagner Director of Finance & Operations Program Services
WDIV helps wish kids take flight
Erica Hunt Wish Coordinator Brianna Ianni Wish Coordinator & Program Services Specialist
go to the Atlantis Resort in
Julie McCarthy Wish Coordinator
Paradise Island, Bahamas, was
Carrie McCulloch Wish Coordinator
interviewed on WDIV Local 4 during our Wishes in Flight ®
Alissa Shipman Senior Wish Coordinator
Mile-A-Thon on Oct. 9. More than 2.8 million air miles and
Nancy Spore Vice President of Program Services
$3,800 were donated during the Mile-A-Thon. 2013 Volunteer of the Year award recipient Nicole Robertson, left, is pictured with wish child Lily, 4, and Karen Davis.
Mary Veltema Referral & Medical Eligibility Manager
To help wishes take flight
Volunteer Services
for Michigan kids, visit michigan.wish.org/wishesinflight
Megan Hengesbaugh Volunteer Coordinator
and donate your air miles.
Ashley Post Volunteer Manager
2013 Make-A-Wish Michigan Awards Hope Award William and Nancy Ellis
Volunteer of the Year Nicole Robertson
Outstanding Corporate Partner Meijer
Strength Award McLaren family
Wish-Granting Volunteers of the Year Barb Emmons, Melissa Felice Ginny Holcomb, Katrina Kaufman Brett Polen
Shining Star Awards BorgWarner Inc. Kim Gusse Beverly Laird Angie Shaw Wolverine Worldwide
Joy Award Help Make Blue and Green Wishes Come True
Scott Miller Partner UHY Advisors, LLP Sterling Heights
Christie Hill Wish Manager, PT
Khalil, 17, who wished to
Karen Davis President & CEO
Christine Farah Lebold Chief Operating Officer LSG Insurance Partners Bloomfield Hills
Merry Donn Senior Wish Coordinator
Chip Perschbacher Vice President Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids Jelka Petrovic Community Volunteer Orion
Denise Starr Chief Administrative Officer Compuware Detroit
Gregory Yanik, M.D. Professor of Pediatrics University of Michigan Ann Arbor
Peter Whitsett EVP - Merchandising/ Marketing Meijer Grand Rapids
Trustee Emeritus Don Hamilton President Hamilton Chevrolet, Inc. Warren
To contact staff via email, please use the following template: first name initial and last name@michigan.wish.org. For example, Kdavis@michigan.wish.org.
Chapter Medical Advisor James Fahner, M.D. Division Chief Pediatric Hematology/ Oncology Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Grand Rapids
Ex Officio Karen Davis President & CEO Make-A-Wish Michigan
Spring 2014 With Our Best Wishes 3
© 2013 Andrew Knapik Photography
WAM riders sponsored Christopher’s wish to attend Comic-Con in California.
Make-A-Wish Michigan celebrates 7,500th wish granted during Wish-A-Mile® Bicycle Tour
Wish kids Jake and Michelle, right, were extraordinary co-hosts during the WAMmys recognition ceremony.
Last July, riders and volunteers traveled across Michigan during the 26th Annual Wish-A-Mile® (WAM) Bicycle Tour, the largest fundraiser for Make-A-Wish Michigan. The three-day tour, covering 300 miles of Michigan countryside began in Traverse City and ended at the Michigan International Speedway (MIS) in Brooklyn, Mich. The WAM 300 tour connected with the WAM 50, a one-day, 50-mile ride, during the last few miles. “The support of riders, corporate sponsors and volunteers directly impacts our ability to grant more than 400 wishes this year. We are so thankful for the outpouring of support across Michigan,” said Karen Davis, Make-A-Wish Michigan president & CEO. During the tour’s recognition ceremony, known as the WAMmys, wish kid Christopher, 16,
took the stage to share his story. One day in late August 2011, Christopher felt a sharp pain in his back. His mom took him to the emergency room thinking it was a kidney infection. “Within 45 minutes of arriving at the ER, we were in an ambulance on the way to a hospital,” Christopher’s mom, Elizabeth, explained. “It was cancer. They said it was Burkitt’s Lymphoma, and it was very aggressive.” The very next day Christopher started intense chemotherapy. “He handled it like a champ,” Elizabeth recalled. “He kept his spirits up the entire time.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 5
Special Thanks to our WAM Top Individual Fundraisers More than $7,500 Donetta Behen Avi Brandvain Beth Brandvain Bill Braun Robert Casalou Mark Cohn Fred Farrand Stephanie Goetz Rob Grainger Scott Lewis Stefan Lott Eric Metzendorf Lauren Metzendorf Harry Miller Steve Perna Mark Petroff David Schwartz Beth Sinclair Cyclists heart WAM! Robert Sklar George Taylor Jeff Williams
More than $2,500 Courtland Anderson Dorothy Barak David Barnes Michael Bellet Tara Bellingar Loren Blumberg James Branski Keith Brownlee Robert Buccellato Eileen Burden Albert Cattell Eileen Chaivre Aaron Chernow John Chwalibog Kevin Cleary David Contorer James Coon Frank Copeland Scott Cornell Paul Costanza Jim Cross
Joe Currie Connie Currie Nancy Cutler Dale Davis Rick DiGia Jennifer Dimmer Keith Dombrowski Michael Domzalski Bill Doty Jeff DuComb Erica Dzwonkiewicz Ron Elkus Marci Fishman Debi Freeman Robert French Bill Gephart John Glazier K Grabowski William Graham Janelle Gunn David Habecker
Kevin Hains Jim Heath Paul Hogan William Holmes Sue Holtz William Horal Murray Howe Daniel Howe Angel Sam Jones Jeffrey Kaiser Dave Karnes Scott Kaufman Charles Kessler Robert Kowalski Mark Labadie Joseph Leech Gregg Leshman Karen Lewis Anthony Lott Paul MacArthur Mark MacArthur
Geoffrey Marshall Dan Mirabella Randy Monroe Tom Nelson Denise Parr Donald Payerle Marcia Peitzman Al Peterson Bob Polzin Robert Rensch Mathew Ridley Davida Robinson Warren Robinson Gareth Rogers Catherine Salome Linda Scicluna Steven Seidman Kenneth Shecter Michael Sheean Mike Sherman Barbara Smith
Ron Sollish Denise Starr Jeffrey Surnow Scott Sylvester Michael Tomczak Edward Valentini Miguel Vargas Mark Weidner George Wilbur Bud Williams John Williams Sean Williams Barbara Wilson Dan Wilson Chris Wilson Robert Woehlke Rick Woolman Amy Yamasaki Nick Yetter Brad Zimmerman
© 2013 Andrew Knapik Photography
Wish kids, like Matthew, awarded medals to riders after they crossed the finish line. Thank you to the 2013 WAM sponsors Lead Sponsor
Christopher spent the next nine months in and out of treatment. During that time, he was referred to Make-A-Wish Michigan and his wish dreaming began. After considering many options, Christopher chose the one thing that related to his favorite hobbies. He not only enjoyed video games, but liked watching animated series, comics and magical stories. Christopher’s wish was to go to Comic-Con in San Diego! With his 16th birthday days away, Christopher and his family enjoyed an unforgettable trip to sunny California to meet all of Christopher’s favorite characters at Comic-Con. His wish was Make-A-Wish Michigan’s 7,500th wish granted since 1984.
“It was an amazing experience right from the second we got there,” Christopher recalled. Last year’s WAM had more than 1,200 riders and 300 volunteers helping to raise more than $2 million to grant the wishes of Michigan children. During the event, Make-A-Wish Michigan inducted Eileen Burden, Rob Grainger, John Finnegan, Ronnie Dillion, Michael Ruffing and Beth Sinclair into the Wish-A-Mile Hall of Fame for 20 years of participation and/or reaching the $100,000 fundraising mark. WAM concluded at MIS with Heroes Hurrah, an emotional and heart-warming celebration with nearly 3,000 people watching wish kids award cyclists with special medals after they crossed the finish line.
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsor Home Care Medical Equipment and Service Medical Service Sponsor American Red Cross WAM 50 Sponsor Meijer Bronze Sponsors Ann Arbor T-Shirt Company Avis Dean Trailways of Michigan The Emrick Investment Group of Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC Ferris State University Volkswagen Group of America
Wish-A-Mile® Bicycle Tour rides again July 24 - 27, 2014 Join Make-A-Wish® Michigan for the 27th Annual Wish-A-Mile Bicycle Tour (WAM) July 24-27, 2014, and cycle through the beautiful state of Michigan while helping grant the wishes of children! WAM offers a three-day, 300-mile ride and a one-day, 50-mile ride that features: • Fully supported tour, including meals • Break stops throughout • Massage therapists • Participant jersey, T-shirt and medal • Finish on the Michigan International Speedway track • Heroes Hurrah finish-line celebration
WAM includes various opportunities to support Make-A-Wish Michigan, such as event sponsorship, participating as a rider, volunteering or making a donation. For more information, visit wishamile.org or call 800.622.9474.
2014 WAM sponsors Lead Sponsor
Gold Sponsors
© 2013 Diana Farnham Photography Spring 2014 With Our Best Wishes 5
Chloe’s Yellowstone adventure CONTINUED FROM COVER
Within a few days, she had the tumor removed along with her left kidney and began a six-month treatment program that included chemotherapy and radiation.
backcountry camp where dinner was served. They enjoyed a boat tour of Lake Yellowstone and swam in large pools fed by hot springs.
“Life during treatment was quite difficult for everyone in our family,” recalled Chloe’s dad, Kip. “There was a tremendous amount of stress, worry about Chloe’s health, challenging schedules with lots of travel to the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital – just less family time in general.”
“For the rest of the family, the trip was a huge adventure and a great time to make memories together,” recalled Kip. “It was amazing to explore the natural wonders of Yellowstone and just enjoy living amongst mountains for a week.
Last summer, Make-A-Wish Michigan granted Chloe’s wish trip to Yellowstone National Park, where the fun-loving and bubbly little girl enjoyed swimming in hot springs, horseback riding and whitewater rafting. While on the wish trip, Chloe and her family participated in a cowboy cookout, where they traveled on a horse-drawn wagon ride – past a herd of bison – to
Experience a Magical Evening at Wish Ball – West Michigan
“Make-A-Wish allows kids and families to do something for fun – whether it is a trip, a shopping spree, or meeting someone special – during a difficult time in their life,” Kip explained. “For many kids, it gives them something meaningful to think about during their challenging life experience. Cancer taught our family to enjoy life, to treasure the times we have together, to enjoy each moment, and to create lots of great memories together.”
PLEASE JOIN US! Wish Ball - West Michigan May 8, 2014 – 6:30 p.m. DeVos Place Grand Rapids, Mich.
Make-A-Wish® Michigan will celebrate its 30th Birthday and honor longtime supporter and volunteer Meg Miller Willit of Grandville at Wish Ball – West Michigan on May 8, 2014.
Wish Ball will be a special evening celebrating 30 years of life-changing wishes at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids. Tickets are $150 per person, and the attire is black tie.
Since 2003, Willit has been a committed and generous donor and volunteer for Make-A-Wish Michigan. She has been a driving force behind Wish Ball, Make-AWish Michigan’s largest West Michigan fundraiser and has helped grow the gala into one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the year.
To purchase tickets, please contact Ellie Wilcox at ewilcox@michigan. wish.org or 616.363.4607. Visit michigan.wish.org/wishballwest for more information.
“Meg’s unwavering enthusiasm for the Make-A-Wish mission is inspiring,” said Karen Davis, Make-A-Wish Michigan president & CEO. “She tirelessly recruits members of the community to join her in support of our wish children and engages nearly everyone she meets to help as a volunteer or donor.”
For sponsorship information, contact Laura Town at 800.622.9474 or ltown@michigan.wish.org. Thank you to Wish Ball – West Michigan lead sponsor
Wish Ball returns to Southeast Michigan Mark your calendar for Nov. 8, 2014 when Wish Ball returns to Southeast Michigan at the MGM Grand in Detroit with an inspiring evening of wishes. Visit michigan.wish.org/wishballsoutheast for more information. For sponsorship information, contact Laura Town at 800.622.9474 or ltown@michigan.wish.org.
SAVE THE DATE! Wish Ball - Southeast Michigan November 8, 2014 MGM Grand Detroit
© 2013 Dan Mannes, Detroit Red Wings
Hockey superfan 12-year-old Jarod takes on Red Wings Goalie Jimmy Howard. His wish was sponsored by Davenport University.
Jarod takes center ice Wish kid Jarod is no ordinary hockey fan. His parents laminate rosters that the 12-year-old studies, and he could recognize any Detroit Red Wings or Grand Rapids Griffins player on the street. To calm him down during challenging times, Jarod’s mom, Tina, names players with wrong jersey numbers, which Jarod corrects. Jarod has Sanfilippo Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that causes the body to improperly break down sugar molecules. Although he can’t skate because of his condition, he can still play hockey on foot. Jarod’s wish to take shots on Red Wings Goalie Jimmy Howard, his favorite player, became a reality. Jarod had followed Howard since he played with the Griffins. Meeting new people can always be a little intimidating, especially when they are wearing gigantic hockey gear, but Jimmy and forward Todd Bertuzzi helped Jarod ease onto the ice. With his family, FOX Sports Detroit and other Red Wings players watching, Jarod took to the ice and passed a puck back and forth with Bertuzzi. When he brought the puck up to Jimmy Howard, he ... SCORED!
Bertuzzi and Howard. Afterward, Jarod and his family watched practice from the players’ bench. Jarod talked to players, poked fun as they approached the bench for water and even asked Howard some pressing questions, like “what is your favorite color of Gatorade? What does your Mom pack you for lunch?” As the Red Wings exited the ice, Howard invited Jarod to the locker room, where he signed his stick “To Jarod, Best Friends Forever, Jimmy Howard 35.” Afterward, Jarod and his family greeted players, who all signed his Red Wings memorabilia. Jarod was sure to call to each player, as he recognized them from his rosters. Former Red Wings captain Nick Lidstrom, who was visiting for the day, cracked a smile as Jarod excitedly announced, “It’s Nick Lidstrom, it’s Nick Lidstrom!” Make-A-Wish Michigan is grateful for the extraordinary care and support that the Detroit Red Wings players and team give to our wish kids. The organization continuously goes above and beyond to provide all wish kids, including Jarod, with outstanding wish experiences. Let’s go Red Wings!
After his victory goal, Jarod continued to practice taking shots and having fun with Spring 2014 With Our Best Wishes 7
Thank you to the Walk for Wishes - West Michigan sponsors Lead Sponsor
Hope Sponsors Mike and Sue Jandernoa
Walk For Wishes® – West Michigan welcomes back supporters More than 400 people participated in the Walk For Wishes® – West Michigan on October 5 and raised more than $88,000 to help grant wishes for children in Michigan. The family friendly event was sponsored by Meijer and held at Frederik Meijer
Strength Sponsors Andy J. Egan Company Dan Vos Construction Company Mercantile Bank of Michigan
Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids. Catherine Behrendt of WZZM 13 once again emceed the fun morning. To see the Walk For Wishes – West Michigan photos and recap, visit michigan.wish.org/walkforwishes.
Walk for Wishes® returns to Detroit Zoo in Southeast Michigan Join Make-A-Wish Michigan at the 16th Annual Walk For Wishes on May 3, 2014 to celebrate our 30th Birthday and help us continue to grant wishes for children with life-threatening medical conditions.
Wish child Tia, 16, was granted her shopping spree wish during Macy’s 5th Annual National Believe Day on Dec. 6. Her favorite part of the day was having her hair and makeup done! Macy’s Believe campaign invited children of all ages to mail letters to Santa at their local Macy’s. For every letter mailed, Macy’s donated $1, up to $1 million, to Make-A-Wish® America.
WXYZ Channel 7 Anchor Alicia Smith will return as the emcee for the third consecutive year. Enjoy full access to the Detroit Zoo, an official Walk For Wishes T-shirt, morning refreshments, complimentary lunch, family-fun activities and entertainment. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and the opening ceremony begins at 9 a.m.
Adult registration is $20 until May 2 and $30 on the event day. Children 17 years old and younger and virtual participants are free. Each walk participant is encouraged to raise a minimum of $100 and will be awarded incentive items for reaching $250, $500 and $1,000 or more. Visit walkforwishesmi.org to register or call 800.622.9474 for more information.
PLEASE JOIN US! Walk For Wishes - Southeast May 3, 2014 Detroit Zoo Royal Oak, Mich.
A special community helps a wish come true From the moment Michael walked outside of his home dressed in a police uniform on the cool, windy November morning, he was all smiles. It was the day the 15-year-old from Sturgis would become a police officer!
Michael was excited to share the day with Baker, who has served as a source of inspiration and encouragement. They both have the same rare form of cancer and they both have always wanted to be cops.
There was just one last touch to make 15-year-old Michael’s uniform complete. With the help of officer T.J. Baker, he donned a St. Joseph County Police Department jacket. He was now ready for his adventure to begin.
Michael was greeted by police officers and other members of the community as he arrived at the Sturgis Police Department. He spent his morning being sworn in and touring the station. His afternoon began with a visit to the St. Joseph County Courthouse. Then, it was time to solve the case of the stolen chain saw. Several surprises were ahead for Michael as his special day unfolded. Visit michigan.wish.org/wishes to read the full story of Michael’s wish.
“It’s happening,” said his mom, Karen, as Michael prepared to enter the police car. “It’s really happening.”
Michael’s wish to be a police officer was an inspiring day for all involved.
Emma creates a relaxing space Shortly after being diagnosed with Burkitt’s Lymphoma, 18-year-old Emma moved back in with her father. The teen knew instantly what her wish would be – a shopping spree to IKEA! Emma desired an apartment-style space to call her own. After visiting a cousin and seeing a room fitted in IKEA furniture, Emma knew that was exactly what she would wish for! Make-A-Wish Michigan worked with IKEA of Canton to help make Emma’s wish a reality. IKEA provided a personal
design consultant to help create Emma’s new room and help pick out furniture and accessories. “Emma had a vision for her room today, and what Emma wants, Emma gets,” IKEA Designer Harmony Watson told Fox 47 News in Lansing.
later, as the IKEA team wheeled some of Emma’s goods to the register, Emma’s smile still hadn’t faded. Now, Emma is enjoying her redecorated space created just for her. Her wish was adopted by BMD Charity Ball.
First, Harmony and Emma devised a plan by reviewing concepts and items on the computer. Then, Emma and her entourage took to the IKEA show floor. Emma’s smile beamed as she sampled the couches and sat at desks. Hours
Emma enjoyed a day at IKEA picking out furniture and accessories Far right: Emma is all smiles relaxing in her newly redecorated room. Spring Spring 2014 2014 With With Our Our Best Best Wishes Wishes 99
Share the Power of a Wish® as a volunteeer Our mission is not possible without the ongoing and tremendous support of our volunteers, and we are actively recruiting new wish-granting volunteers.
Harry Miller and his wife, Sharon, were awarded the 2013 Wish-A-Mile Inspiration Award.
Longtime volunteers ride to grant wishes Harry Miller has worn No. 2 on the Wish-A-Mile (WAM) Bicycle Tour for nearly 24 years. Prior to WAM, he had never ridden a bike long distance. Miller and his wife, Sharon, who has ridden the three-day, 300-mile tour for almost as long, are major Make-A-Wish advocates in more ways than one. Since 1994, the duo has also served as wishgranting volunteers and have granted more than 30 wishes for Michigan kids. Harry continues to recruit volunteers everywhere he goes. “Shortly after we joined WAM, we got involved with volunteering and got hooked on that, too,” Harry said. “It’s very rewarding. Sharon and I keep talking about taking a break, but we keep
seeing wishes that need to be granted in our area.” Harry and Sharon were awarded the 2013 Wish-A-Mile Inspiration Award. The two were honored for raising more than $100,000 (combined) through an inspiring amount of years. Harry was also seventh in top individual fundraisers for the event and raised more than $13,300 last year alone. “I have trouble talking about Make-A-Wish because I get emotional,” Harry said. “But, I have no trouble bragging about it.”
Wish-granting volunteers are an important part of the wish process by meeting with wish kids and families to capture the child’s heartfelt wish and helping make it come true. Volunteers work in teams of two and enhance the wish journey through special package deliveries, welcome home or send-off parties and other fun-filled activities. Those interested in wish granting can visit michigan.wish.org/volunteer and fill out an online application. Volunteers must be 21 years old, clear a background check, be able to commit to one year of service and complete an in-person wish-granting training course. For more information, please contact Volunteer Services at volunteer@michigan.wish.org or call 800.622.9474. Upcoming Wish Training Dates Grand Rapids May 17 Aug. 16
Granting Novi June 21 Sept. 13
Wolverine Worldwide helps grant Seth’s shopping spree wish Five-year-old Seth is full of energy, likes being a big brother and loves skateboarding with friends. Seth’s wish for a shopping spree was granted in 2013, when he picked out his perfect board. His wish was adopted by Wolverine Worldwide, which raised $10,000 during the Wolverine Worldwide Charity Golf Outing last year to help grant Seth’s wish. Wolverine Worldwide has supported Make-A-Wish Michigan for more than 15 years and has continued to make Make-A-Wish the beneficiary of the golf outing for three years, as well as provide sponsorship for the Make-A-Wish Michigan Wish Ball in Grand Rapids.
Make-A-Wish kid referral Make-A-Wish Michigan relies on supporters to help bring hope, strength and joy to wish kids and their families. If you know a child with a life-threatening medical condition who is in need of our services, please encourage the family, child or healthcare professional to call 800.622.9474.
Utility Line Construction Services raised more than $10,000 to help grant the wishes of two Michigan children, including a wish for Christopher, the son of an employee.
Utility Line Construction helps grant a wish close to home Employees of Utility Lines Construction Services were humbled to find out that the efforts of their annual employee appreciation golf outing had helped make a wish come true for a coworker’s son. Utility Lines Construction Services, which operates from several locations
across the state, turned its annual employee appreciation golf outing into a fundraiser for Make-A-Wish Michigan. The event raised more than $10,000, and the company adopted two wishes of Michigan children, including Christopher’s wish to go to Walt Disney World ® Resort. This was an extra special experience for all involved as
Christopher’s dad is also an employee of Utility Line Construction. Help someone close to you by organizing an event for Make-A-Wish Michigan. To learn more, visit michigan.wish.org/ways-to-help or contact our office at 734.994.8620 or wish@michigan.wish.org.
Goddard students help wish child become a Jedi KIDS FOR Students and families at the Goddard School in Canton, Mich. raised more than $5,000 and adopted Mitchell’s wish to go to Walt Disney World ® Resort. The students, ranging in age from 8 weeks to 6 years old, hosted various events throughout the year to benefit Make-A-Wish Michigan. From T-shirt and bake sales to a junior prom, the kids got creative with the Kids For Wish Kids® Program. Mitchell, 5, wished to become a Jedi during his wish trip. Shortly after finishing a round of treatment for neuroblastoma and before the next phase of treatment began, Mitchell and his family escaped to Florida for his fun adventure.
“(The trip) truly brought us closer as a family and a much-needed relief from hospitalizations and the trauma we’ve experienced since diagnosis,” said Mitchell’s mom, Tracy. “The pictures and videos we have will be cherished for years to come.” For more information on the Kids For Wish Kids program, visit michigan.wish.org/ways-to-help/ fundraising. For questions or to register your school, contact Make-A-Wish Michigan at 734.994.8620 or wish@michigan.wish.org.
Mitchell underwent Jedi training during his wish trip.Fall 2013 With Our Best Wishes
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Spring 2014 With Our Best Wishes 11
Join us for “The Fault In Our Stars” Movie Premiere Party Make-A-Wish Michigan will host “The Fault in Our Stars” movie premiere party on June 5, 2014 at 6 p.m. at Celebration! Cinema North & IMAX in Grand Rapids. Tickets are $35 per person. To purchase tickets, visit michigan.wish.org/ faultinourstars.
Headquarters 7600 Grand River Ave. Suite 175 Brighton, MI 48114 800.622.9474 michigan.wish.org
Upcoming Events April 29, 2014 World Wish Day® May 3, 2014 Walk For Wishes® Southeast Detroit Zoo Royal Oak May 8, 2014 Wish Ball - West Michigan DeVos Place Grand Rapids
W ISH UPON A CAR RAFFLE
September 13, 2014 Walk For Wishes® - West John Ball Zoo Grand Rapids November 8, 2014 Wish Ball - Southeast Michigan MGM Grand Detroit Visit michigan.wish.org/events for more details on other events.
Make-A-Wish Michigan grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.
Sat., Aug. 16, 2014 3:30 p.m. Memorial Park West Thirteen Mile Road and Woodward Avenue in Royal Oak, Mich.
June 5, 2014 “The Fault In Our Stars” Movie Premiere Party Celebration! Cinema North & IMAX Grand Rapids July 24 - July 27, 2014 Wish-A-Mile® Bicycle Tour
DRAWING DATE:
Need not be present to win.
PURCHASE TICKETS: Enter to win a 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupe and help make wishes come true for Michigan kids The 2014 Wish Upon a Car raffle is presented by Hamilton Chevrolet to benefit Make-A-Wish Michigan. Tickets are $50 each or three for $100. Out-of-state ticket sales are permitted. The winner will be allowed to choose the prize car or $50,000 cash. 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray List price: $54,340 Color: Crystal Red Tintcoat Interior: Black leather Six-speed automatic transmission
Call Make-A-Wish Michigan 800.622.9474 Mon. – Fri., 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Visit Hamilton Chevrolet 5800 Fourteen Mile Road Warren, MI 48092 586.264.1400 Mon. and Thurs., 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Tues., Wed. and Fri., 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Presented by
The car in the photo is not the Crystal Red Tintcoat color of the car being raffled Raffle participants must be 18 years of age or older at the time of entry. Payment of all applicable federal, state and local taxes, fees and surcharges are the responsibility of the winner. The winner will be issued an Internal Revenue Tax Form 1099 stating the value of their prize. Winner need not be present to win. Due to regulations with the United States Postal Service a Xerox copy of your ticket(s) will be mailed or emailed to you if purchased over the phone. Raffle license number: R22011