Celebrating 35 Years at the Make-A-Wish NJ Walk & Roll For Wishes

On Sunday, October 14th, Make-A-Wish New Jersey hosted its annual Walk & Roll for Wishes at the Samuel & Josephine Plumeri Wishing Place in Monroe Township, a magical and whimsical wish-granting facility that Make-A-Wish New Jersey calls home. The annual event hosted over 800 walkers and rollers in attendance, including over 35 wish families, raising vital funds needed for their mission to create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.

Make-A-Wish New Jersey has created over 10,000 life-changing wishes over the past 35 years. 560 children with critical illnesses in the Garden State experienced the power of a wish in the past year alone, and with the support of the community at the 2018 Walk & Roll for Wishes, more local children will experience the hope, joy and transformation a wish provides.

"Throughout our 35 year history in New Jersey, we have come to know that a wish has the ability to transform a child's life during some of their most difficult times," shared Tom Weatherall, President & CEO of Make-A-Wish New Jersey. “Our annual Walk & Roll For Wishes events invite our donors, sponsors, volunteers, wish families and new friends to hear first-hand what a wish can do, and give everyone the opportunity to engage in our mission.”

During the Walk & Roll For Wishes opening program, wish mom Jenny shared the story of her son, Oliver, who battles a critical illness. Oliver’s wish to go to Walt Disney World was a trip she and their entire family will never forget.

“I can't put into words how special it was for me to see Oliver have so many special experiences,” Jenny shared with the captivated crowd. “I love that I got to hold him on my lap and take him on the Dumbo ride at Disney World. I love that the resort had a wheelchair accessible swing that allowed Oliver to swing for the first time ever! And I love that, for one week, everything was all about Oliver. We were a normal family, doing all of the fun things that other families get to do. Although Oliver can't talk, I can confidently say that our week at Disney World was the best week of Oliver's life.”

The walk & roll embarked on a non-competitive, wheelchair-friendly course around the castle grounds and along Perrineville Road, followed by a fun-filled day of music, entertainment, games, food and fun. Guests were greeted at the finish line by cheerleaders and given the chance to win a prize at the New Jersey 101.5 Prize Wheel with Bill Spadea and the New Jersey 101.5 Street Team.

A special thank you is extended to all the sponsors and partners of the 2018 Make-A-Wish New Jersey Walk & Roll For Wishes.

For more information on Make-A-Wish New Jersey, visit nj.wish.org and learn how you can make life-changing wishes come true.

Photo Credits
Mike Ehrmann, DCS Photo
Janet Joyner Photography