Subaru & Make-A-Wish Deliver Surprise Wish

On Friday December 11th, eight-year-old Antonio of Camden, New Jersey received the surprise of a lifetime – a fleet of Subaru vehicles, led by a Camden County Police Department escort, drove past his home, each car carrying gifts that Antonio wished for from Make-A-Wish New Jersey during his virtual shopping spree just a few weeks prior.

Antonio, who courageously battles a critical, life-threatening illness, was completely unaware that his wish would come true that December afternoon. His wish for an online shopping spree has been granted thanks to support from Subaru through their annual Subaru Share the Love Event. Through Jan. 4, 2021, Subaru of America will donate $250 for every new Subaru vehicle purchased or leased nationwide to the customer's choice of participating national charities, including Make-A-Wish. As a proud supporter of Make-A-Wish since 2011, Subaru is honored to sponsor this wish for such an inspirational and resilient child.

The fleet of Subaru vehicles, driven by representatives from Subaru of America, Lester Glenn Subaru of Toms River, and Subaru of Cherry Hill, was escorted by the Camden County Police Department past Antonio’s home. Antonio’s family brought him outside their home just in time for him to experience the thrill of a lifetime when his new friends from Subaru arrived in cars filled with Antonio’s wish gifts. Make-A-Wish New Jersey and the Camden County Police Department unloaded the packages in front of Antonio’s home as drivers, police officers, and Make-A-Wish staff waved and cheered for Antonio from a safe distance on his Wish Day, delivering hope and joy into Antonio’s life when it is needed most.

Antonio received an array of items that will bring him happiness this holiday season, including a brand new HD TV and TV Stand, a PlayStation console and games, Hot Wheels, race car tracks, an assortment of Lightning McQueen items from Disney’s Cars, a tablet, a new desktop computer, new clothes, sneakers and winter jackets, bedding, and much more.

One additional and very special item that Antonio was particularly excited to unwrap was a brand new popcorn machine, to make one of Antonio’s favorite snacks. The popcorn machine was a gift from the team at Lester Glenn Subaru of Toms River. Jamie Palazzo, General Manager and his team were onsite for the special delivery within the fleet of Subaru vehicles, and hand delivered the surprise item to Antonio and his family.

Antonio was diagnosed with a critical, life-threatening illness that qualified him for a wish from Make-A-Wish. According to his mother Rachel, Antonio is energetic, enthusiastic, and sweet with a warm heart and a deep love of his younger brother. Antonio has struggled with his cancer diagnosis. He doesn’t fully understand his illness and it has been difficult for him and his family, but he has faced his challenges with a positive attitude and a smile, even when he must stay overnight at the hospital. For Antonio and his family, a wish-come-true brings joy during a difficult time. Antonio loves Hot Wheels, race cars, the Disney movie Cars - Antonio quite clearly has a deep love of cars, so it was a perfect fit for Make-A-Wish to partner with Subaru of America to deliver his wish with a fleet of vehicles driving by in his honor.

Since becoming a national charity partner beneficiary in 2011, Make-A-Wish has received a total of more than $23 million in donations through the Subaru Share the Love Event. These funds have allowed more than 2,500 children nationwide to replace fear with confidence, anxiety with hope and sadness with joy due to the powerful impact of a wish come true. To join Subaru and others in giving renewed hope and joy this season, visit wish.org/Subaru.