I just wanted to wish everyone a warm and wonderful Thanksgiving!

Vanessa
Wish Department

For the past few weeks I’ve been trying to fund Anthony’s wish to see the dinosaurs at the Smithsonian. In the process of making phone calls to businesses and organizations in Anthony’s home town of Baton Rouge, I met the most wonderful gentleman named Jimmie. Jimmie is deeply involved in his organization’s fundraising efforts and was determined to help me with Anthony’s wish. Jimmie was true to his word. Anthony and his family will be leaving for Washington D.C. on October 15th! Have a fantastic time, Anthony; and to you, Jimmie, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Donna
Development Department

Today I received an email from one of our facilities regarding our Hero of the Month program:

“While we haven’t been able to send any photos of kids we have made Heroes of the Month because of their situation, I just want to say that we have been able to make several children’s lives brighter with the gifts you have provided. One little boy was so thrilled with his medal. He couldn’t wait to share it at school because he had never gotten a medal before. Another young girl in foster care was going to be able to get the sports equipment she needed. She had literally nothing when she went into care. She was so happy and couldn’t believe someone would do such a thing for her.”

Thank you so much for making that possible for these young children.

While we LOVE to see pictures of all the children who receive wishes and Hero awards, we understand they are not always able to send them. But to know that we are helping to make things a little easier is all the thanks we need!

-Margo
HOTM Facility Coordinator

Below is a heartwarming e-mail I received from one of my wish kids that just went on a shopping spree. A wish can go a long way!

Hello Vanessa,

Thank you so much for making my wish come true. I had a great time. On my shopping spree I got an HP laptop for college. I also got an Xbox. I got a nice tour throughout the whole store. I liked so many things but the laptop got my attention really quick. The managers were very friendly and nice. At Sizzler’s I got a good meal. I was extremely full when I came out from their. It was nice. Thank you so much.

Love, Felix

Vanessa Covolo
Wish Coordinator

When I asked Trenton what is was that he wanted for his wish he answered, “I would like a playhouse please, ma’am.” I smiled and thought to myself that most grown-ups aren’t this polite. It was such a pleasure to be involved in creating this special space for Trenton to escape. All he wanted was a place of his own.

A special thanks to my local “Guardian Angels” (Trenton’s Wish Sponsors):

Hall Builders, LLC
The Fairy Cake Mother
Harrodsburg Rd Home Depot
Richmond Rd Home Depot
Tri County Lumber
Congleton Lumber
horsepresence.com
121 Personal Gifts

I hope that you enjoy your playhouse, Trenton!

Jennifer
Trenton’s Wish Coordinator

I recently put together a wish for a very special little girl named Gildiana. About 1 month ago I was given a “rush” wish for a six year old little girl who lives in Miami with a malignant brain tumor. When I contacted Gildiana and asked her about her wish, she said she wanted to go on a shopping spree at Wal-Mart for Dora and Princess toys as well as a TV for her room.

I immediately contacted the district office for Wal-Mart and was told to contact the store in Hialeah Gardens. When I did the Wal-Mart management team was excited to be able to help with this special wish. They agreed to donate a gift card and to make her shopping experience unique.

I was trying to think of ways to make this wish extraordinary so I contacted Horse Drawn Dreams to try to arrange for a “Cinderella” carriage to help Gildiana make a grand entrance at Wal-Mart. Horse Drawn Dreams was eager to help. Fabiola at Wal-mart called Mayor De La Cruz of Hialeah Gardens and he too was on board to make this a day to be remembered. He accompanied Gildiana on her spree and also bought a gift card to help her with her purchases. That day Gildiana was precious in her white princess gown that was donated by Little Adventures, LLC. She was able to get all the things she wanted and more!

I want to thank all the people in the community who helped to make this dream possible for Gildiana. I also want to thank the many people who were so touched by this little angel’s story who have called in to offer their support and best wishes to Gildiana and her family. No matter what the future holds for this little girl she has definitely touched many people in a big way!

Jill

Take a look at our Wish Kids.  When you see their pictures and read their stories you’ll understand why I get so much pleasure out of helping to fulfill their wishes.

Recently, I called a gentleman and told him about Samantha.  Without hesitation he said yes, he wanted to help.  He donated enough to cover almost half of Samantha’s wish.  Needless to say, he made my day.  WOOOOHOOOO! Thanks, Kelly.