Melissa Donovan
Make-A-Wish® Central and Northern Florida is celebrating its 30-year journey of bringing hope, joy, and strength to countless children facing critical illnesses. In an inspiring achievement, the chapter granted a record-breaking 425 wishes during the 2024 fiscal year, bringing its total to over 7,500 wishes since opening its doors in 1994. As the organization plans for more milestones, it has set a goal to grant 450 wishes in the upcoming year, reaffirming its commitment to fulfilling the dreams of children fighting the toughest of battles.
About Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida
Make-A-Wish® Central and Northern Florida works to make the life-changing wishes of children fighting critical illnesses come true. The organization believes that every child deserves a childhood filled with hope and joy. By granting wishes, it seeks to provide children with the emotional and physical strength they need to fight their illnesses.
In collaboration with generous donors, supporters, staff, and over 24,000 volunteers nationwide, Make-A-Wish and its 57 chapters have granted more than 550,000 wishes across the United States.
A Testament to Community Support
Community has proven to be a driving force behind the chapter’s achievements, demonstrating when people come together, they can create life-changing experiences for children and their families. The organization said they are grateful to donors, volunteers, corporate sponsors, and inspiring wish families, all of whom play an integral role in making these wishes come true.
“The team set their sights on granting 425 wishes and only saw the possibilities in delivering more joy and hope than ever before. Their passion to grant the wish of every eligible child is a beautiful collaboration with compassionate volunteers, donors, and partners throughout our community,” Laurie Armendariz, Vice President of Mission Delivery for Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida said.
This collaborative spirit has fueled the chapter’s mission, turning dreams into reality for children navigating difficult health journeys.
A Year of Unique Wishes
The past year has seen a dazzling array of wishes granted, showcasing the creativity and diversity of each child’s dreams. The extraordinary experiences included a car parade, a room makeover, and a wish to become a police officer for a day. Some wish kids had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet their musical idols, such as Metallica, while others aspired to become “super dog helpers,” highlighting the unique desires that each child holds.
These wishes not only bring joy to the children but also create lasting memories for their families. For many, these moments serve as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, joy can be found. Each wish granted acts as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path for families navigating the challenges of critical illnesses.
Looking Forward: The Goal of 450 Wishes
As Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida embark on a new fiscal year, the goal of granting 450 wishes reflects the chapter’s unwavering commitment to its mission. This target is not just a number; it symbolizes hope and a shared belief that every child deserves a wish.
Achieving this goal will require the continued support of the community, which has always been the backbone of the organization. Volunteers, donors, and corporate partners will play pivotal roles in helping to bring these wishes to life.
How to Get Involved
As Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida celebrates its 30th anniversary and the incredible achievements of the past year, it invites everyone to join in this extraordinary journey. Getting involved can be whatever suits you best —whether through donations, volunteering, or becoming a corporate partner. Every contribution, no matter how small, helps keep the magic of wishes alive.
To support the mission of granting more wishes, community members can visit wish.org/cnf to learn about various opportunities to get involved.
The 30th anniversary of Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida is not just a celebration of past achievements but a powerful reminder of the ongoing mission to bring hope to children facing critical illnesses. With a record-breaking 425 wishes granted this year and a goal of 450 for the next, the chapter is poised to continue making a significant impact in the lives of many.
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