Bryson from Cincinnati, OH recently had a blast on his wish. On December 22nd Bryson was picked up by limo and headed out to his three favorite stores, Rockin Rooster, Meijer and Best Buy. He had the time of his life! If you would like to view Bryson on his spree, check out this link below!
http://www.fox19.com/Global/searchresults.asp?vendor=ez&qu=wish
Vanessa
Wish Coordinator
The holidays hold various meanings, feelings and associations for different people, whether financial, emotional or spiritual. When it comes down to it, a large portion of the festivities revolve around the children – the treats, cartoons, presents, Santa Claus’ “naughty and nice” lists, etc. Unfortunately, this year will be less than celebratory for many families who may be forced to choose between food and utilities over decorations and presents.
Though considered a “national” organization (working with children and facilities across the country), we are also proud to work with other philanthropic charities in our very own community. During the past few months, our Warehouse Team has been extra busy packing and wrapping pallets upon pallets of toys for countless non-profits who – like KIDS WISH NETWORK – call the Tampa Bay area their home.
We have had the pleasure of donating Gift Banks to: Child Abuse Council, Tarpon Springs Police Department, Homeless Coalition of Pasco County, Project Care Outreach, Pasco Kids First, CHIPS (Clearwater Homeless Intervention Project), Arnette House, PARC, MARC, Children’s Medical Services, Harbor Treatment for Children, and CASA Community Shelter.
“The wonderful generosity of KIDS WISH NETWORK helped make over four hundred families have a great holiday this year. These are children and families who without your support would not enjoy the holidays that so many us take for granted. You helped make Christmas possible and have made a difference in the lives of so many children. Thanks also for the wonderful work you do all year.
- Child Abuse Council
“This year Kid’s Wish Network helped make the children and youth of the Arnette House’s holiday season much brighter. Our children and youth who are with us at the holidays, often worry about not being with family and friends. They worry, “will I be forgotten”, “will anyone remember to bring me a present”, “what will Christmas Day be like at the Arnette House”. They experience anxiety and sadness, but because of the generosity of the Kids Wish Network, staff can help dispel a little of their worries and fears and help make their holiday season as comforting and enjoyable as possible. Thank you Kids Wish Network!”
- Arnette House
“Thanks so much for the incredible donation of the Hope for Holidays Gift Bank. We’ve already begun distributing some of the items to our Healthy Families participants who often come to us greatly in need of the kind of items you’ve supplied. Thanks again to Kids Wish Network for this donation. We’re so pleased to be working in partnership with you to help our program participants have a brighter holiday season!
- Pasco Kids First
The ancient African proverb states, “It Takes A Village To Raise A Child”. We never claim to be “the village” but in conjunction with these big-hearted organizations, we hope to make a difference not just during the holiday season, but all year round!
~Susan
Facility Coordinator
1. You care.
2. You can make a difference in the life of a child.
3. Kids deserve to have their dream come true.
4. Kids deserve to just be kids for a little while.
5. You want to help a sick child.
6. You can afford to.
7. It’s the right thing to do.
8. It does a heart good.
9. It will put a smile on the face of a child.
10. You become a part of making a wish come true.
Madeline
Wish Department
I hope that all of our Wish Kids, Wish Families, Hero Kids, Hero Facilities, Sponsors and Donors have the most happy of holidays. May your wishes come true and may your hearts be light this season.
All my best to you and yours,
Alicia
Editorial Department
Cody’s only wish was to meet his hero Bear Grylls from Discovery Channel’s Man vs. Wild. After contacting Discovery Channel, I was put in touch with the person who could arrange this meeting. We were told that Mr. Grylls would be in Los Angeles the first part of December. We arranged for Cody and his family to fly out to Hollywood and for Cody to be treated like the star he is.
Finally, the morning of the meeting arrived and Cody was anxious to meet Bear. We were escorted to a private room and pretty soon we heard Bear yelling down the hallway “Cody, where are you?” Cody was so excited he yelled back, “I’m in here!” Soon, Cody and Bear became great friends and spent about an hour chatting and getting to know each other. Bear brought Cody a special Man vs. Wild book and personally autographed it for him as they reminisced about pictures of the show in the book. Cody impressed Bear with his complete and detailed memory of each episode. Cody also brought a special “throwing star” that he made for Bear; this “star” is a tool that you use in the wilderness. Bear was very touched and asked Cody to autograph it for him. Cody also shared his story of survival with Bear by showing him a touching album of photos of his different surgeries and important milestones in his life. At the end of the meeting Cody gave his hero a big hug and promised to stay in touch. I think that in giving Cody his greatest wish, Bear was himself blessed beyond words.
Jill
Wish Department
Today is my last day here at Kids Wish Network before I leave for my holiday vacation. I am so excited for Christmas and to be able to spend time with all my family members and friends. We have so many family traditions that we do each year. It is always a joyous and fun time.
I know that there are families who are spending the holidays away from or without loved ones. I know that this is the case for some of our own wish families here. I hope that even though the holiday may be sad, that they find something to be thankful for and that their holiday is a happy, blessed one.
To all our wish families and all the employees of Kids Wish Network, I wish you all a Merry Christmas, Happy Holiday and a very Happy New Year!
~Elizabeth
Wish Department
Thanks to our wonderful HERO OF THE MONTH participating facilities, it was another great month for submissions! In fact, we received more nominations in November than any other month on record – 103 total – which translates into one hundred & three lucky children who now have the opportunity to buy themselves something special during this holiday season.
The HOTM program was implemented about 4 years ago when KWN realized there was an entire population of children in hospitals, burn units, shelters, rehab centers, etc. experiencing difficult and unfortunate circumstances who also deserved recognition and “kudos”. (Unlike our “Wish Kids’, these youngsters do not have life-threatening illnesses.)
Our HOTM roster currently boasts over 150 facilities, allowing us to spread cheer all year long across the nation! If you know of a facility that would like to participate, please call us @ 888.918.9004.
~Susan
HOTM Facility Coordinator
This is my wish kid Kira telling Santa what she wants for Christmas! By the look on his face, I’d guess that she wanted a whole closet full of clothes and accessories for her little Lhasa Apso pup, Sammy!
I hope that all of you enjoy happy holidays this season. 
Jen
Wish Department
After many calls I was able to get Rough Country to donate a lift kit and Bull Dawg Doors to give a large discount on the top and doors. I then called Viva Auto Group in El Paso and Norma Munoz and her team from the service department came to the rescue.
Not only did they install the hard top, doors and lift kit but they also installed a light bar and repainted the Jeep! This Saturday Playford went down to the dealership and picked up his new Jeep. It was the best Christmas/Birthday gift he has ever received. Thanks to all who made this young man’s dream come true!!!
Jill
Wish Department
The wish applications that are mailed to Kids Wish Network get sent to me. I always enjoy opening up the envelopes and meeting a new child that we may end up granting a wish for.
Sometimes there are very sad pictures of little boys and girls who wear their illness on the outside, and other times the wounds are buried inside.
I think that the best part about getting the applications is checking out what each child is wishing for. Our wish coordinators try very hard to get each child their first wish, but sometimes that is impossible.
For instance, just today I received an application for a child who wanted to go to Outer Space. Unfortunately, that would not be a possibility for a wish for obvious reasons. Fortunately, our wish coordinators always ask for three wishes to ensure that at least one of the wishes will come true.
So for all those families out there who have received a wish application from us, send it in! I can’t wait to meet your child!
Elizabeth
Writer/Wish Referral Specialist
As I returned to the office today, I thought about my great experience meeting with the most wonderful family over the past weekend. I met wish teen Cindy, her mom and sister in Pittsburgh, where her wish came true to meet the Pittsburgh Steelers.
We all arrived at the Steelers practice field on Saturday and Cyndi watched in excitement as they practiced their plays. After they finished, they all began to walk over and sing Christmas carols to Cindy. She met her favorite players, Troy Polamalu, Ben Roethlisberger and Hines Ward plus many more.
After that, we walked over and got a tour of the offices where they go over plays and where the “real” Super Bowl trophies are displayed.
On Sunday, Cindy, her mom and her sister headed over to their box seats at Heniz Field where they got to watch the Steelers play up close.
Cindy and her family were so thankful for everything the Steelers had done for them. I’m so glad to have met Cindy and her family. Thank you, Cindy. I hope you had the time of your life!
Vanessa
Wish Department
The term “corporate greed” has been used in abundance this past year. It’s impossible to pick up a newspaper, magazine or scan a website without reading/hearing about selfish, swindling Executives whose gluttonous actions and decisions have resulted in the massive downward spiral of our economy.
ATTENTION all cynics, pessimists, skeptics and untrusting citizens out there (and yes, I was one of them before this weekend!)… THERE ARE LOTS of good, generous and big-hearted people in this world, and many of them reside and work in the Philadelphia area!
Our ‘assignments’ commenced about 2 months ago when the trifecta of Kids Wish Network, Shriners Hospitals for Children – Philadelphia, and JAKKS Pacific/CDI (who donated a mind-boggling $100,000 worth of toys) agreed to coordinate a HOLIDAY OF HOPE celebration the first weekend in December. With fingers crossed, my colleagues and I contacted various vendors, dialing, emailing and faxing potential sponsors in search of donations. Our wish list included: a DJ, face painter, clowns, balloon artists, food, drinks, decorations, games and anything else that would lend itself to a “party atmosphere” for these 250 deserving children (Shriners patients and their often neglected siblings). We divvied up the categories – my “partner in crime” was in charge of obtaining entertainment while I tackled food & beverages.
I’m not good at asking for things – money, items, rides… so this task was certainly a challenge! Unfortunately, there were a number of companies who never returned my calls and emails despite my persistent ways. Others politely declined; their charitable dollars had been depleted for the year, their funds were allocated to other philanthropic causes, and/or their company had taken a financial hit. I learned quickly not to take these ‘rejections’ personally, and moved on to the next phone call.
The HOLIDAY OF HOPE celebration took place this past Saturday (December 5th – a date that will remain with me for a long time) on a gray, wintry afternoon at 3551 North Broad Street.
The first sponsor to walk in the door was APPLEBEE’S (2501 Aramingo Avenue). Lester Franklin and his hospitable team arrived pre-event to prep/cook 120 lunches for our volunteers who generously relinquished part of their weekend to assist us and “spread the joy”. Speaking of volunteers, they all donned HOLIDAY OF HOPE t-shirts (reflecting the names of ALL our wonderful sponsors) thanks to J.P. TEE’S, INC.
As the event approached, more and more vendors arrived, bundled up from the snow that had just started falling. It was a family affair for PEACE A PIZZA (1652 Chestnut Street) as Ron Baban and his daughter marched in with 15 piping hot pies, and CHICK-FIL-A reinforced their infamous “Eat Mor Chikin” slogan by serving 1,200 chicken nuggets.
And since this is (was!) Philadelphia, a party just wouldn’t be a party without… cheesesteaks! Many thanks to both DALESSANDRO’S STEAKS AND HOAGIES (600 Wendover Street) and JAKE’S PHILADELPHIA CHEESESTEAKS (16th Street & Chestnut Street) for delivering mouth-watering sandwiches Philly-style! Also joining in the celebration was TAYLOR’S BAR AND GRILL (Cherry Hill, NJ) who donated French fries for the families to enjoy.
I first read about Kate Carrara a/k/a BUTTERCREAM CUPCAKE LADY, on www.philly.com, and was fascinated by this career changer’s story – a former attorney who now sells homemade treats from a truck that makes stops throughout Center City. Kate was one of the first sponsors to confirm her attendance without hesitation. We had presented the idea of a Make-Your-Own-Cupcake Station – and Kate not only delivered the concept, but the cupcakes!!! ..And while we’re on the subject of cakes, let’s not forget the amazing “Aces of Cakes”-like sheet cake donated by THE RESTAURANT SCHOOL AT WALNUT HILL COLLEGE. The chefs and students outdid themselves this year (they also donated in 2006) and we can’t thank them enough!
And to top of the onslaught off sugar-y snacks, TASTYKAKE also joined us again this year, donating over 300 scrumptious mini chocolate cakes for the children. Let’s just say that Marie-Antoinette would have been proud!
And finally, special thanks to the Mom & Daughter team (Sharon & KaLitha) at SHARON’S BALLOONS, who created a magnificent, eye-catching balloon arch that rose high above the room for all to see. CIRCUS TIME AMUSEMENTS AND ENTERTAINMENT (Pennsauken, NJ) donated several carnival-style games which the children loved!
As cliché as it sounds, these participating sponsors truly went ‘above and beyond’ and we could not have executed this very special event without their products, resources and smiling employees, a validation that the holiday spirit is overflowing in the City of Brotherly Love!
~Susan
HOTM Facility Coordinator
This past weekend was probably one of the best weekends I have ever had. A team from KWN headed north to Philadelphia to host a Holiday of Hope party at the Shriners Hospitals for Children. After months of planning, we finally got to see everything come together and it couldn’t have gone any better!
Hundreds of children traveled to the hospital to spend the afternoon dancing with Spongebob and Elmo and feasted on pizza, cheese steaks, cake and more!
The best part of the afternoon was standing back and just watching – watching the kids smiling and watching the parents watching their kids. These kids had been through so much with their treatments and therapies but you could just look at their faces and see those worries were the farthest things from their mind. They were laughing and playing and enjoying what they do best – just being a kid.
Our vendors were great also! This weekend wouldn’t have been possible without them. Since they were so gracious to donate their time, I didn’t want them to feel they had to stay around any longer than they had already committed to. But when the time came for the party to end no one was ready to stop! The DJ (Cutting Edge Entertainment) kept spinning tunes; the face painter and air brush tattoo artist (Natalie Foxhill – Amazing Face Painting and Beth Miller – Creations by Beth) still had a line and kept right on working with smiles! Everyone was great!
Events like this are such a special time for KWN. If we are able to distract the kids for even a few hours and make sure they enjoy themselves, all the planning and stressing on our part was well worth it!
Margo
HOTM Facility Coordinator
There is such a variety when it comes to what these children want for their wishes. There’s a girl who wants a zebra striped room with red accents, a boy who got a log cabin playhouse, the little girl who wanted only to buy things for her Lhasa Apso, the boy who wanted to go back in time to see dinosaurs (he went to the Smithsonian), the girl who wants to hunt ghosts, the boy who wants to visit Yellowstone…the list goes on. I just love hearing what these kids want. It makes me feel a little like one of Santa’s elves, listening in to what the kids are telling Santa. It’s a magical feeling.
Alicia
Editorial Department
Our Holiday of Hope party at Shriners Hospitals for Children-Philadelphia was awesome! When everyone got in Monday morning, they all had wonderful things to say about the event.
I am excited that I got to be a part of the party. Although I didn’t get to attend, I was definitely there in spirit! I helped acquire a few donations for the event and also helped out with some table tents that were displayed on the tables. I thought about all the ladies that went and wondered how they were doing and how it was going. I have to say that I am a little jealous because while the team from Kids Wish Network was up in Philly, it snowed! I bet it was beautiful!
I am so happy that the party was a success and that all the kids enjoyed their time. There was so much work and planning that went in to this event, and in the end, if the kids are happy, it is all worth it!
Elizabeth
Wish Department
