Make-A-Wish fundraiser returns for 4th year, number of applications increasing

January 24, 2019 | 3:03 am

Updated January 23, 2019 | 9:06 pm

Graphic by Owensboro Times

Make-A-Wish of Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana plans to continue its “Boilin’ in the Boro” fundraising event in Owensboro in 2019. According to Lisa Reeves, senior development officer for the organization’s Kentucky Region, the event raised about $95,000 in 2018.

“That grants about 10 to 11 wishes depending on what the wishes are,” Reeves said. “On average, we have applications for 10 to 15 wishes each year in the area.”

Last year Make-A-Wish granted about 150 wishes across Kentucky.

“We have going on 400 kids waiting for their wish,” Reeves said, adding that the number of applications is increasing as the organization becomes active with awareness and fundraising in more communities.

“We knew that when we started expanding the footprint across the state, [applications] would increase,” she said. “Through local efforts, more families have become aware that their children qualify for a wish.”

Reeves said that it is difficult to set a timeline on how long a child will wait for their wish to be granted.

“A lot of it depends on the child’s condition, their treatment protocol, a release from their doctor and the wish they choose,” she said. “They sometimes need to wait to be released by their doctor to travel and really enjoy their wish.”

The Owensboro community has a chance to continue to help grant the wishes of local children when “Boilin’ in the Boro” returns for the fourth year at Reid’s Orchard in September.

Last year’s event included a low country boil by Steamers Southern Seafood Kitchen from Bowling Green, Ky. There was also a live band, live and silent auctions and several children present who had already had their wish granted through Make-A-Wish.

Reeves expects ticket sales to begin in early summer, but she is accepting sponsorships and table sales now. Independence Bank has signed on to continue as the event’s main sponsor.

“Our ability to grant wishes for all of the kids that qualify is really based on funding,” Reeves said. “The more money we can raise the more wishes we can grant.”

To sponsor or reserve a table for the event, reach out to Lisa Reeves by email to [email protected].

In addition to local businesses and residents supporting the funding of wishes for local children, some national brands with local ties also support Make-A-Wish.

Party City partners with Make-A-Wish by collecting donations from customers at retail locations nationwide each year, including the Owensboro store.

There is also a chance that the Allegiant Air Make-A-Wish plane based at the Orlando-Sanford airport could make an appearance at the Owensboro Daviess County Regional Airport.

Photo courtesy of Allegiant Air

Allegiant Air supports the organization by donating flights to wish destinations, raising funds through the sale of Wingz Kids Snack Packs in flight, and sponsoring Walk For Wishes events across the country.

To get involved with Make-A-Wish or make a secure online donation, contact Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana through their website at oki.wish.org. You can follow them on Facebook or Twitter (@makeawishohkyin).

January 24, 2019 | 3:03 am

Share this Article

Other articles you may like