Wish Wednesday at Elitch Gardens Celebrates $450K Raised for Wishes
Ceremony Honors Students’ Fundraising Efforts for Make-A-Wish
DENVER, CO (June 5, 2014) – For the fifth consecutive year, Rock Canyon High School in Highlands Ranch will take top honors for raising the most amount of money for Make-A-Wish Colorado’s Kids For Wish Kids program. The Jaguars set a statewide record for fundraising, by raising over $72,000 – enough to grant nine wishes, including Isaac’s wish to go to New York City. Fort Morgan Middle School in Fort Morgan and Jefferson Academy Secondary in Broomfield are also recognized as top fundraisers in Colorado.
As a special thank you to these young philanthropists from all three schools, Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park will welcome 3,500 students into the park free of charge for “Wish Wednesday” celebrations on June 11th. In all, nearly 120 schools participated in the Kids For Wish Kids 2013-2014 program and raised around $450,000 to help grant wishes to Colorado children with life-threatening medical conditions. In addition to raising money for wishes, a goal of the Kids For Wish Kids program is to help students discover philanthropy by selecting their own fundraising project and managing them from start to finish. The program’s success belongs entirely to the students!
Along with the schools’ students, children who received wishes sponsored by the Kids For Wish Kids program will be on hand to thank the students for their efforts in the ultimate display of what can happen when kids put their mind to helping other kids. Wish kids and the student fundraisers, as well as Make-A-Wish and Elitch Gardens representatives, will be available for interviews.
ABOUT MAKE-A-WISH® COLORADO
Make-A-Wish® Colorado grants the wishes of Colorado children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Founded in 1983 as one of the nation’s first Make-A-Wish chapters, Make-A-Wish Colorado has granted more than 4,200 wishes to eligible children throughout Colorado. According to a 2011 U.S. study of wish impact, most health professionals surveyed believe a wish-come-true can have positive impacts on the health of children. Kids say wishes give them renewed strength to fight their illnesses, and their parents say these experiences help strengthen the entire family. Visit Make-A-Wish® Colorado at www.colorado.wish.org to learn more.
ABOUT ELITCH GARDENS
Located in the heart of Denver for more than 120 years, Elitch Gardens is America’s only Downtown Theme and Water Park. The park is open through November 2nd with 54 rides and attractions, live entertainment, thrilling roller coasters, and an entire water park. Visit ElitchGardens.com for more information and to purchase discount tickets.
– end –