Joseph’s shopping spree at his favorite store, Farm King, was incredible! On Monday, November 24^th Classic Thunder Limos picked Joesph and his family up in one of five special limousines in the county.  From there, he arrived at Farm King where his personal shoppers escorted him while he shopped to his hearts desire.  Exausted after the morning, they headed over to Buffalo Wild Wings where they enjoyed a splendid lunch!

-Vanessa (Wish Coordinator)

My wish kid, Brandon, is on his way to Texas to meet Chuck Norris at his ranch! Chuck Norris cares deeply about children and, to Kids Wish Network, he is a true hero.  I’d like to send a great big thanks to Wal-Mart, the Knights of Columbus and the Longview Police Department for helping to make Brandon’s wish come true.

Donna (Development)
 

It does my heart good to know that all the hard work is paying off. As I write this, Brandi is on her trip to Florida and I know she is having an amazing time at Disney World and Universal along with everything else that the Orlando area has to offer. I know it is a trip of a lifetime for her and know that this is why we do what we do. I hope that it brings fond memories for her always!!

Doris (Development)

Local children from Citrus and Pinellas counties in Florida will be having a blast this Holiday Season regardless of our economic condition. Kids Wish Network is more than excited to be able to give toys and necessities worth $20,000.00 each in retail value to CHIPS, as well as the Citrus County Family Resource Center for the homeless. We are so honored to be able to help them out!

Distribution Department

Every year about this time I start to ponder all the things I am thankful for. This year there are so many things that come to mind. I now have a deeper appreciation for the situation I am in. Things tend to get pretty tough sometimes; life becomes a rollercoaster, and then you get a slight wake up call. So many people take for granted the little things in life, things our wish kids do not have the opportunities to do.

Children always seem to find a glimmer of hope and happiness even in the worst of times. So this year I am thankful for my family, my son, friends, my home, my job and so much more. I’m thankful that I get to get up everyday proud of the job I do. And I’m thankful for all the people who help to make the wishes and dreams come true for these wonderful children. I hope everybody takes the time to be thankful for the GREAT things life has to offer, even the little things. I hope everybody has a wonderful and happy Thanksgiving.

Megan (Development)

I have the most wonderful job in the world.  I get to answer the phones at Kids Wish Network.  Although it is exciting to receive calls from celebrities and sponsors, it’s even more exciting to get calls from wish families. That is what this organization is all about  the “Wish Kids” and making their dreams come true. It all starts with a simple phone call that I have the privilege of answering. 

D. (Receptionist)

I started here at the end of September and was assigned two children to start with.  Wednesday, Derrick got to go on his shopping spree!  I remember the feeling I got when I had finally reached the goal I was given to grant his wish.  I never expected to get so excited. It felt so good to know he was going to have his wish fulfilled. Sometimes you worry if you’ll ever get there. Then, all of a sudden, you start getting call after call of people who want to help. It becomes a domino effect and eventually you have reached your target.  I hope Derrick got everything he dreamed of on his shopping spree!

As we prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday, I hope we all can reflect on how truly blessed we are. When I think of my children and grandchildren and know that they are healthy, I then think about all our wish kids and the struggles that they face daily. It really has opened my eyes to what is most important in our lives. Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving and may we all remain grateful for the gifts we have.

Doris (Development)

Jessie had a blast in Atlanta where he recieved his wish.  Jessie not only got to see the NASCAR race but received special one-on-one time with his ultimate role model, Tony Stewart.  Once again, Tony Stewart gave and signed items for Jessie including but not limited to a hat, t-shirt, bag and racecar.  This is one day Jessie will never forget.  Thank you to everyone involved in helping to make Jessie’s wish come true!

-Vanessa (Wish Coordinator)

When I was hired here at Kids Wish Network, I knew that one of my duties was to interview families when they came back after having their child’s wish granted. Let’s just say that I was nervous and, actually, I still am. However, now that I’ve done a few and written press releases on them, it’s not nearly so bad. It only happens right before I call the family in the form of a ‘sinking stomach’ kind of feeling. You know what I mean? Well, however it goes, I really enjoy hearing these stories. I’ve heard so much joy and gratitude coming out of these interviews that it fills my head and pours out of my ears! It’s so awesome to hear firsthand how wonderful the wishes went. I love hearing it.

~Alicia True (Editorial Department)

We are so happy to be helping out our local schools, churches, special needs facilities and shelters with lots and lots of toys for the upcoming holiday season! We look forward to donating again in the future. It has been a pleasure working with all of you!

Deanna (Wish Department)

As promised, I want to fill you in on the Halloween festivities at Kids Wish Network.  It was a blast!  Everyone brought in their favorite dish and we had a great variety of yummy food.  The costumes were outrageous.  Our department dressed as divas complete with boas, tiaras, bling and more bling.  What’s a diva theme without the “King of the Divas”?  Our “king” was over-the-top with a pug named Tootsie on one arm, a cane in the other, very large cigar (fake of course), a cool hat complete with feather AND (tasteful) PJ’s.  Yep, I said PJ’s.  No prizes were given because it was just too difficult to pick a “best”. 

What’s your Halloween story?

Donna (Development)

Yesterday was such an overwhelming day for me with true emotions of sheer Joy that consumed me to the point of tears. I have been working on a wish for Luke in Utah with not too much success in reaching his goal. Being not one to give up easily, I diligently kept pursuit and when I contacted the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Utah, they graciously gave a grant for $2,000 for him. I was overcome with tears of joy. There are truly angels looking over all of us.

Doris (Development)

Being on the phone all day, you end up having some very interesting discussions.  I have had the opportunity to chat with some pretty amazing people.  There are people who make me smile, laugh and become thrilled when they want to help out a wish kid! I think the most rewarding conversation I have are when someone thanks me for what I’m doing.  Those are the best. Its just one of the many rewards for the hard work we put in Monday thru Friday.

Megan (Development)

When I called seven year old Aubrey from Ludington Michigan to introduce myself and ask about her wish, I never dreamed this tiny little girl would wish to meet a big bad wrestler such as CM Punk.  After speaking with Aubrey I did find out she is a huge wrestling fan and her number one wish was to meet Punk.  Aubrey has been battling neuroblastoma, a form of cancer for the past two years.  I quickly got to work and contacted WWE and was delighted to find out that Aubrey would be able to meet CM Punk in my own town, Tampa, Florida.  I began making travel plans for the family.
 The other day I met Aubrey and her family and we went to The St. Pete Times Forum.  We were escorted into a “special” room and before you know it CM Punk walked thru the door.  Aubrey was so excited to meet him and I think that Mr. Punk was just as thrilled to meet her.  The two of them talked and joked around and CM kept telling her how adorable she was.  He certainly was not nearly as menacing in person as he is in the ring.  She brought him some hand drawn pictures and a note for him to take home and he brought her a hat and T-Shirt as a gift from him.  After the meeting with CM was over Aubrey and her family attended the WWE Monday Night Raw Wrestling Event.  Thanks to CM Punk for making a very special young lady very happy!!!

Jill (Wish Coordinator)