World Wish Month And Wishmakers Wanted Campaign Kicks Off April 1
Make-A-Wish North Dakota joins its sister chapters across the globe in celebrating World Wish Month by highlighting wish kids across the state and encouraging caring individuals to become WishMakers.
“We are proud to celebrate 44 years of wish granting, reaching more than 500,000 kids with critical illnesses across the globe since 1980, and locally, 1,100 kids in North Dakota since 1985,” said Billi Jo Zielinski, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish North Dakota. “Raising awareness about wish kids’ stories and how people can make a difference in their lives is the best way we can continue reaching every eligible child to give them the power and strength that comes from a granted wish.”
The wishes that Make-A-Wish North Dakota grants wouldn’t be possible without the support of countless “WishMakers” such as donors, volunteers, corporate partners, community advocates and more. “WishMakers” – a term for anyone who steps up to take action for wish kids – are everywhere, but more “WishMakers” are needed in order to achieve our lofty goal of reaching every eligible child.
Last week, WWE Superstar Cody Rhodes and the Impractical Jokers, who have helped grant wishes, and Make-A-Wish America President and CEO Leslie Motter formally launched “WishMakers Wanted,” a global campaign with the stated intent to recruit 1 million people worldwide to sign up as “WishMakers” between now and the end of World Wish Month (April). People can sign up to become a “WishMaker” at wishmaker.org.
Locally, Make-A-Wish North Dakota is excited to have several activities and efforts throughout the month to recognize wish children and families, as well as celebrate the magic of a wish come true. We invite media to note the following:
April 1-30:
Governor Doug Burgum has proclaimed April as World Wish Month in North Dakota.
Culver’s locations in Minot and Williston are selling blue paper stars for $1 with all proceeds supporting North Dakota wish kids. Last year, these locations raised more than $7,000!
April 2:
A wish child will be part of the University of Mary vs. Minot State softball game in Minot at 4:00 p.m., South Hill Softball Complex, 16th Ave SE, Minot, ND.
April 8-13:
Style Uncorked women’s boutique in Williston is holding a register campaign throughout the week to support local wish kids.
April 12:
A wish child will be recognized during the Fargo Force vs Sioux Falls hockey game at 7:05 p.m., Scheels Arena, 5225 31st Ave South, Fargo, ND.
April 13:
A wish child will be recognized during the Williston State College vs. Bismarck State College baseball game at Aaron Haaland Memorial Baseball Field, 2506 South 12th St., Bismarck, ND.
Make-A-Wish North Dakota will host our signature Wine & Wishes gala in Fargo at 6:00 p.m., Holiday Inn Fargo, 3803 13th Avenue South, Fargo, ND.
April 14-20:
Make-A-Wish North Dakota honors its more than 180 WishMaker volunteers across the state and invites more caring individuals in every community to raise their hand to help. Visit wishmaker.org for more information.
April 15:
Starting April 15, Red Lobster locations in Bismarck and Grand Forks will reignite their efforts to support local wishes by encouraging customer donations and a $1 donation from each Blue Dream Sangria sold.
April 17:
A wish child will be recognized during the University of Mary vs Minot State baseball game at 1:30 p.m., Corbett Field, 1124 E Burdick Expy, Minot, ND.
A wish child will be recognized during the Minot State vs. University of North Dakota softball game at 3:00 p.m., Apollo Softball Complex, 2511 17th Ave S, Grand Forks, ND.
April 20:
A wish child will be recognized as part of the Sioux Falls vs. University of Mary baseball game at Bismarck Municipal Ballpark, 303 W Front Ave, Bismarck, ND.
A wish child will be recognized as part of the North Dakota State University vs. University of North Dakota at Apollo Softball Complex, 2511 17th Ave S, Grand Forks, ND.
April 23:
A wish child will be recognized as part of the Mayville State vs. North Dakota State baseball game at 6:30 p.m., Newman Outdoor Field, 1515 15th Ave. N., Fargo, ND.
April 29:
World Wish Day – This is the anniversary of the wish that started the Make-A-Wish movement and in honor of that, Fargo Mayor Mahoney has declared it World Wish Day in the City of Fargo (proclamation attached). This will be accompanied by City Hall being illuminated Make-A-Wish blue. The R.D. Offutt Company headquarters in downtown Fargo will also be lighting up in blue to recognize the day.
Sandy’s Donuts in Fargo will be selling blue frosted donuts with star sprinkles and encouraging patrons to donate to Make-A-Wish North Dakota.
April 29 – May 3:
Bearscat Bakehouse in Bismarck, Mandan and Minot will be selling blue sugar donuts with proceeds from the sales supporting local wish kids.
We honor World Wish Month every April and World Wish Day on April 29 as that is the anniversary of the wish that inspired Make-A-Wish. Seven-year-old Chris Greicius of Phoenix had leukemia and wished to be a police officer. Those that created his wish, including his mother, Linda Pauling, established Make-A-Wish because they knew there were other kids out there, like Chris, who needed a wish come true.
In 1985, caring, local volunteers Diane Weickert, Kevin Reitz, Jerry Novacek, and Arlene Nelson founded Make-A-Wish North Dakota for children in our state. Our mission is, “Together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses,” and we exist solely to serve children ages 2 ½ to 18 years old who have been diagnosed with an illness that puts their life in jeopardy. Our vision is to reach every eligible child. Make-A-Wish invites these children to dream beyond the confines of their illness and wish their one true wish. Another seven-year-old boy named Christopher was our first wish child here in North Dakota. He wished for a VCR because he loved to watch movies. Christopher was undergoing cancer treatments in Fargo, and health problems confined him to his own room. The VCR allowed him to still be able to do what he loved. That hope is essential.