Make-A-Wish Hosts Virtual "Walk & Roll For Wishes"

On Monday November 23rd, Make-A-Wish New Jersey hosted its first virtual “Walk & Roll For Wishes,” a social media event to raise the vital funds needed to create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. The virtual program was the second the New Jersey chapter has hosted during the pandemic; the first took place in late Summer, titled “Evening of Hope & Wishes.”

Monday’s event raised nearly $90,000, which will help grant wishes to local children facing life-threatening medical conditions. Hundreds of participants across the Garden State, including many wish families past, present and future, walked in their local communities in the weeks leading up to the event.

The program included testimonials and inspirational stories from numerous wish families who have directly experienced the impact of a wish during these unprecedented times. From Neil’s wish for a wheelchair swing in his front yard and the car parade that took place in front of his home, to Emmy’s wish for a safe backyard where she could play with her siblings this summer, to Reilly’s wish to be a New Jersey Devil, when he was surprised as an official selection during the 2020 NHL Draft, to Niko’s wish for an online shopping spree, during which he purchased a PlayStation and an HDTV to be donated to Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health’s K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital, where he is being treated.

A special thank you is extended to all the sponsors and partners of the 2020 Virtual Make-A-Wish New Jersey Walk & Roll For Wishes. Thank you to Dell Technologies, MJH Life Sciences, NJM Insurance Group, M&T Bank, Lemcor, Inc. and Outfront Media. Their support provides us with the vital funds needed to continue to deliver hope when hope is needed most

While some wishes that are travel-related or involve large gatherings have been postponed for the well-being of wish kids and families, Neil, Emmy, Reilly and Niko represent some of the many wishes that have been granted during the pandemic. From backyard pools to playsets, to gaming computers, to campers, to basement movie rooms, to local destinations like the Jersey Shore or a camping trip in Pennsylvania, life-changing wishes continue to be granted and hope continues to be delivered every single day throughout New Jersey, across the country and around the world.

Monday afternoon’s program can be viewed on the Make-A-Wish New Jersey YouTube Page.

For more information or to make an end of year gift to Make-A-Wish New Jersey and help create hope for the future, visit nj.wish.org and learn how you can make life-changing wishes come true.