Make-A-Wish is a nonprofit organization that grants kids battling critical illnesses a wish of their choice, inspiring them to keep fighting. Each year, they host the “Walk for Wishes” 5K, which helps raise money for the foundation and also honors the most active club chapters. Heritage’s Make-A-Wish chapter, advised by social studies teacher Mrs. Roisman, got up early on Saturday morning to volunteer.
In the thirteen year history of the walk, Heritage has won the “Top Fundraising School” award numerous times. This year was no exception; Heritage carried home the trophy, raising about $5000. To reach this goal, club members were asked to raise at least $100 each. There also was a fee to enter the race. For adults who wanted to run, the entrance fee was $30, and for adult walkers, $25. Youth participants cost less: $15 for runners, $10 for walkers.
“[The goal of participating in the 5k] was to make enough money to grant a wish,” Mrs. Roisman said. Make-A-Wish allows her to give back to a cause close to her heart. “I chose to sponsor this club because of my nephew who had cancer when he was little. Make-A-Wish was very much involved in activities at the hospital.”
As for activities at the event, there were many booths where participants could win prizes for spinning wheels. The 5k event had many vendors sponsoring, such as Jersey Mike’s Subs, Playa Bowls, Planet Fitness and Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital,= to name a few. There were also many snacks available for runners and walkers, including bananas, protein powder, bagels and snow cones.
The Make-A-Wish club has organized numerous service events this year, such as selling donuts and helping lower school write letters to Santa. In the future, the club will continue advocating for kids with different abilities and critical illnesses.
