Maryland Wishes aim for common goal Students work hard to raise money to fund childs wish

By Jennifer Eisenberg Maryland Wishes goal is to raise $7500 because that is the average amount of money needed to grant the wish of a child with a life-threatening illness. In association with the Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Mid-Atlantic, the student organization at the university raises money to make the wishes of these children possible. On Oct. 16, Maryland Wishes held a meeting at the Armory to discuss the upcoming events and fundraisers for the rest of the semester. Janna Skinner, a senior marketing major and President of Maryland Wishes, spoke to members detailing the clubs future plans. We would love to fund more than one wish per year because there are so many great kids who deserve their wishes granted, Skinner said. However, we need at least 60 students at each event and ready to fundraise. Due to the many regulations and privacy laws, Maryland Wishes has not directly worked with the children, since alumna Vivian Wang founded it in 2006. However, Skinner is in constant contact with their Make-A-Wish representative Tara Jones. Skinner meets with her twice a year, but is frequently emailing her because the club needs all their marketing materials and fundraisers approved. On the agenda At the meeting, Skinner spoke to an audience of approximately 15 students, (more) Benefit Concert Night Nov. 29, 2012 Hoff Theater Three round elimination

Upcoming Events:
Pumpkin Painting Fundraiser October 29, 2012
Swishes for Wishes Nov. 4, 2012

rallying them for the events ahead. With their biggest fundraiser of the semester approaching, the Swishes for Wishes five vs. five basketball tournament, Skinner explained that they needed to start promoting the organization further. Teams for the event consist of no more than seven players. Costing $8 per player, all proceeds benefit the foundation. The organizations goals profoundly spoke to Becca Spencer, a sophomore hearing and speech major who attended the organizations meeting for the first time. After hearing what this organization is about, I am so excited

to spread the word about this upcoming event, Spencer said. I want to be a part of making it even more successful this time around. I am going to work hard to get a team together so they can participate.

Becca Spencer is excited to get involved with the student organization. Photo source: Facebook

Skinner also informed members of the other upcoming fundraisers and events: pumpkin painting, Krazi Kabob restaurant night and the Benefit Concert night. Good hearts all around The organization not only hopes to raise $7500 by the end of the year, but also wants to help the children however possible. After Skinner re-laid the organizations messages to her audience, members took the time to decorate Halloween cards for the children at the Childrens Inn. Maryland Wishes impacts not only the children, but also the actual members themselves. I joined this organization during my sophomore year after I looked into every club on campus. I realized I felt most connected to this one, and I knew I had to (more)

join it, Helen Kozel, a fifth year math, treasurer and physics major said. Because I joined when the Founder was President, I have watched Wishes grow into what it is today, and it hits home every time we grant a wish to a child in need.

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Young boys wish opens door for future One wish granted turns into thousands
By Jennifer Eisenberg Christopher James Grecius was 7 years old when he was treated with leukemia. Despite his illness, every day he dreamed of becoming a police officer. His wish led to what is now The Make-A-Wish Foundation, founded in 1980. Make-A-Wish has evolved into the nations largest wish-granting foundation for children with life-threatening illnesses. According to their President, David Williams, Make-A-Wish grants a childs dream every 40 minutes in the United States.
Christopher James Grecius smiles happily after his wish is granted. Photo courtesy of Make-A-Wish Foundation

Up until now, the University of Marylands program, Maryland Wishes has simply passed along the money they have raised to Make-A-Wish each year. However, they are in the process of saving up to fund their first wish so they can personally help a child like Christopher. In addition, other universities are also involved with the foundation. Continuing success The foundation has already granted 250,000 children their wishes and continues to grow with their increasing number of resources. Approximately 25,000 volunteers work endlessly in order to make wishes come true, serving as special events assistants, wish granters and fundraisers. Each childs wish is different. They range from wanting to meet a celebrity to dreaming of owning something, like a puppy or a hot tub. No matter what the child asks for, each one is always filled with the same happiness when his or her wish is granted, as (more)

the experience gives them the perseverance and hope for a better future. So many childrens wishes have already come true through this foundation, that the future of granting wishes looks promising. For more information about Make-A-Wish visit www.wish.org ###