RIVERSIDE, Calif., Jan. 12, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Make-A-Wish Foundation(r) of Orange County and the Inland Empire, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to granting the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions, rang in the new year with an $18,762.00 donation from the Kirby Sunshine Division Distributors.
Kirby Sunshine Division chose October 2004 as one of their "push months." After reading a newspaper article about Make-A-Wish Foundation, James Iorio, Divisional Supervisor, decided to donate a portion of the month's sales to Make-A-Wish Foundation of Orange County and the Inland Empire. The sales team was given information about Make-A-Wish and they were told that a portion of their October sales would benefit local children living with life threatening medical conditions. As a result of the team's enthusiasm and passion for Make-A-Wish(r) children, Kirby Sunshine Division tripled their sales for the October push month, resulting in their generous donation of $18,762.00.
On Friday, January 7, 2005, at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, 678 Kirby Sunshine Division sales representatives attended a sales rally where Mr. Iorio presented Make-A-Wish Foundation of Orange County and the Inland Empire representatives Donna Mogilski, Director of Development, and Jessica Larson, Development & Communications Manager, with the Division's generous donation. In return, Make-A-Wish presented Kirby Sunshine Division with one-of-a-kind framed pieces featuring the three wishes that they sponsored:
-- San Bernardino, Frankie A., Age: 11, Wished to have a big screen
television.
Frankie loves watching football and basketball on
television, so when he made his wish to have a 57-inch big screen
television, Make-A-Wish knew it was heartfelt.
Frankie had two additional special requests in regards to
the date on which he wanted his wish to come true. First he
wanted to celebrate the one-year anniversary of his heart
transplant, and second, he wanted his father to be there with him
to share the moment with he and his mom. His father had been
away for many months, so it was important to Frankie to be able
to share their sports enthusiasm together.
Frankie's wish party was a joyous event. All
his family and friends were there to watch TV in large-scale
style. And yes, his dad was there too! Frankie's delight
stretched from ear-to-ear as a big grin. His wish had really come
true!
-- Riverside, Cassandra C., Age: 17, Wished to meet Avril Lavigne
Cassandra, or "KC" as she prefers to be called, is a gifted
artist, and a fun, thoughtful young lady. In her own words,
meeting Avril made her "feel alive again and carefree as if I
wasn't ill and it helped take away all the pain and Avril cheered
me up. Meeting Avril Lavigne ruled!"
KC worked for two weeks on a portrait of Avril which she
gave to the rock star as a personal gift, and which Avril was
very appreciative to receive.
Avril, too, had gifts to give that thrilled KC. Avril even
signed KC's poetry notebook. "It was so cool."
"I don't know if I'll ever cross paths with Avril again, but who
knows what could happen . . . maybe she and I will cross paths again.
In all, I was happy my wish to meet her came true."
-- Corona, Justin C., Age: 7, Wished to have a backyard play set
Justin loves playing and spending time with his friends. His
favorite color is blue and he told Make-A-Wish that he enjoys
coloring at school the most. Someday he'd like to grow up to be a
teacher. When asked what his most heartfelt wish was, without
hesitation he described the play set he'd like to have in his own
backyard.
Justin didn't know it was wish day until he returned from a
visit with cousins to discover the wonderful play set surprise
in his backyard. Justin was overcome with excitement and said he
loved it! He couldn't wait to tell his friends. His only sadness
was not being able to share it with his older brother, who had
passed away a few months earlier from complications due to the
same condition that now wreaked havoc for Justin,
Adrenaleukdystrophy. It became just a little easier when his
special dream came true.
Though Justin's not old enough to be a classroom teacher,
he is teaching the rest of us what it means to be joyful in
spite of adversity.
According to Marina Hawkins, General Manager, Kirby Sunshine Division, "It was wonderful to be a part of granting wishes. I was overwhelmed by the experience of watching our division learn about the three wishes they made possible. We were all touched by Make-A-Wish and the Foundation's powerful mission to grant wishes to critically ill children." Mr. Iorio adds, "It was so touching being part of that ceremony presenting the checks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which absolutely brought chills to my spine. It is inspiring to help others and I look forward to doing more."
Currently, over 160 children are in the process of receiving their most heartfelt wishes in Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. The Chapter anticipates that approximately 300 wishes will be granted in this three-county territory this year at the average cost of $5,000 per wish. Donations from individuals, organizations, and local companies like Kirby Sunshine Division are essential to fulfilling the Chapter's vision to reach each and every eligible child with the opportunity for a quality wish experience. Ms. Larson concludes, "The warmth and compassion that filled the room during Friday's event was incredible. On behalf of the Wish children and families that Make-A-Wish serves, thank you to Kirby Sunshine Division for sharing the power of a wish."
About Make-A-Wish Foundation(r) of Orange County and the Inland Empire
Make-A-Wish Foundation(r) has established itself as the world's largest wish granting organization, with 74 chapters across the United States, including 28 international affiliates. As a chapter of the national foundation, Make-A-Wish Foundation(r) of Orange County and the Inland Empire fulfills wishes for children between the ages of 2 1/2 and 18 who confront life-threatening medical conditions. Granting wishes helps these children find the hope they need to transform their life-threatening illnesses into life-affirming triumphs. Formed in 1983, the chapter has fulfilled the wishes of more than 2,500 children.
For more information about Make-A-Wish Foundation(r) of Orange County and the Inland Empire, visit the company's Web site at: www.wishocie.org. Phone: Main Office (Tustin) (714) 573-WISH (9474) or Regional Office (Riverside) (951) 321-0179. E-mail: orangeco@wishocie.org.