It’s finally Halloween!
I’ve been waiting for this and it’s all I expected and more. Lunch was FANTASTIC and the people here really went over the top.
The costumes were a great combination of silly, fun and awesome. We even got to go Trick or Treating! It is quite a silly sight seeing adults running around with bags yelling, “Trick or Treat!” at various doorways in an office building.
You know the best part though? Walking around doing your own work (knowing you’re dressed in an odd manner) and seeing your coworkers walking around doing their business most seriously ALSO dressed in an odd manner! What a hoot!
I actually can’t wait until next year!

~Alicia
Editorial Department

Kids Wish staff really impressed me this fine Halloween day! There was no end to all the creativity!  This is not the place for the common ghost made out of a sheet. After all, in order to effectively help children you have to be one at heart!

Megan (Development)

People who work at Kids Wish Network are very well-balanced individuals.  We work hard but we also play hard.  Halloween is no exception.  This year we are having a pot-luck lunch with everyone bringing their favorite dish.  And, what would Halloween be without a costume contest.  Last year our department won the Best Group Costume award so we have a big challenge in front of us.  Our theme is a secret so stay tuned for the results next week.

Donna (Development)

I have been working with many Civic organizations across the Country and can not believe how much they take to heart our mission for the kids we represent.

From the Elks to the American Legions to the VFW’s and the Masonic Lodges. They are truly special people and organizations and are appreciated so much for all their time and generosity.

Doris (Development)

Kimmie arrived home from Disney World with many enchanting memories.  Her favorite was the Animal Kingdom, where she rode the safari ride, Kilimanjaro Safaris.  Her mother Mary said, “She loved all the bumps”.  Another highlight on their trip was the parade put on at the Magic Kingdom.

Their accommodations were sponsored by the Royal Plaza Hotel where they received royal treatment from the evening manager.

 I hope your memories live on, Kimmie!

-Vanessa

After having been here since October sixth and having written and sent out quite a few press releases, I’ve finally got two stories published! It made me giddy when I found out, but I’m cool with it now.

Check one out at Paddock Talk, which is actually word for word as I wrote the press release.

The other one is in the Journal-News in Illinois and they’re sending a clipping to the office.

It’s exciting to see that your work is being published, but it’s even more exciting to know that these kids are happy to see their names in the papers!!! Rock on, Wish Kids! Rock on!

~Alicia
Editorial Department

What a great weekend for one of our wish kids!  12 year old Natalie has long QT Syndrome, a heart condition whereby the heart beats erratically and fast which can be life-threatening.  Natalie has a pacemaker and defibrillator implanted in her chest. Natalie’s one wish was to meet her NASCAR Hero, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. so we arranged for her to go to the races at Atlanta Motor Speedway where she had the weekend of a lifetime!  It was a little rainy and chilly on Friday, but Natalie didn’t even notice!  She was kept warm by the thought of meeting Dale, Jr.!

The day began in the corporate offices of the Speedway where Natalie met her very own team of track ambassadors who were there to ensure that her wish was everything and more than she could possibly imagine and boy, did they come through!  Natalie had full access to everything at the track including the garage area where she met several other drivers who were working with their crews to ensure that their cars were ready for the big race on Sunday.  She met Ryan Newman, Jimmie Johnson, and the king himself, Richard Petty. 

The wish wasn’t over yet!  We went to Olive Garden for a celebratory dinner and the next day Natalie and her family went to the Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca Cola. The wish culminated on Sunday with tickets to the race where Natalie cheered on her man!  We think number 88 is great!  Thanks, Dale!Special thanks to everyone who made this wish possible:  Mayor & Mrs. James Nix, VFW Ladies Auxiliary #4346, Atlanta Motor Speedway, Sheraton Suites Galleria, Olive Garden, McCormick & Schmicks, The Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca Cola, Stone Mountain Park, Mike Davis and special thanks to Dale Earnhardt, Jr.

Madeline (Wish Department Manager)

Last year I spoke to Melissa of Taylor, Michigan.  Melissa has spina bifida and her wish was to meet Leland Chapman.  At that time Leland was not available to do a meet n greet so I asked her for her 2^nd wish.  She told me she wanted to go to Hawaii, so we planned it for October of 2008.  When I started planning the activities for her wish I remembered that Leland lives in Hawaii so I began making contact with Beth Chapman, his mother.  She soon replied back and we set up a meet n greet for Melissa while she was in Honolulu on he wish.  Leland was kind enough to spend two hours of his time getting to know Melissa and her family!  Thanks Leland for making a special young ladies wish better than she could ever have imagined.

Jill (Wish Coordinator)

Recently I worked on a wish for a young man who wanted a laptop computer.  After calling several people in his Fort Smith community Yvonne from the Alumnae Chapter called to say they were going to buy him his laptop and The Roundtable Group would buy the printer.  I then called Diversified Computer Resources and they agreed to install the router and printer and make it all work together. 

Limousines of Fort Smith picked up our Wish Kid and drove him to Furr’s Fresh Buffet where the Alumnae Group presented him with his laptop.  I just want to thank all involved for being so kind and making my Wish Kid feel so special!

Jill (Wish Coordinator)

Several months ago I began working on a wish for a little girl named Lanecia from Cleveland.  Lanecia is 4 years old and due to Sickle Cell Disease, she has been in and out of the hospital many times in her young life.  When I contacted Lanecia she told me her number one wish was to have a play set for her backyard.

I recently was able to purchase the play set but it arrived in three big boxes at Lanecia’s house.  So I began trying to find someone willing to go out to the house and assemble the play set and put it up in the yard.  After many calls I finally reached Paula from the Boy Scouts and she was more than happy to get her crew together to go out make Lanecia’s wish complete.  I just want to give my deepest thanks to Paula and her crew they truly made a difference in my Wish Kids Life.

Jill (Wish Coordinator)

Our wish kids experience more pain in their young lives than some of us as adults ever face. The reward of our daily 9-5 is knowing we are a part of putting a smile on their faces as they have their wishes fulfilled. What could be more wonderful than that?

Megan (Development Dept.)

I am totally overwhelmed by the generosity of all the Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club sponsorships for our children. I hope they know what joy they bring!!! This first month for me has certainly been an eye opener for me and I look forward to being a permanent fixture.

Doris (Development Dept.)

Each time I’m assigned a new “wish kid” and I read their bios & look at their pictures, I get a bit sad.  They go through so much trauma and pain.  They inspire me. My sadness is short lived because I have the opportunity to fulfill their wishes and have a hand in making them happy.  What a wonderful way to spend my time.

If you’d like to have a hand in making wishes come true, visit our website www.kidswishnetwork.org and hit the DONATE button.  The kids will love you for it and so will I! 

Donna (Development Dept.)

This amazing little fire-cracker managed to keep the whole thing a secret, in order to surprise her three younger brothers. She made sure that they got to see and do everything that they wanted. I really believe that Carley is the true gift; to her family and to those who are fortunate enough to know her. She is an inspiration, and I am privileged to have been able to play my small part in making her Wish come true.

Jennifer (Carley’s Wish Coordinator)

The Distribution Department is so excited to have received a huge donation from Back to Basics totaling over $71,000.00. These fantastic toys and books will be distributed directly to the hospitals and wish children through out the US. Children across America will be screeching with joy and have many hours of laughter and play thanks to Back to Basics. We are so grateful for this donation for our wonderful children!