Wish Blog

Jackson's Wish

2009-04-23T07:32:00.000-07:00

We'll be posting some wish updates here from time to time...here's one on Jackson's wish, from Beverly Molles, our Program Services Director:

"Jackson is 4 years old and suffers from Chronic Lung Disease & Cerebral Palsy. His wish is being sponsored by Swansea Total Fitness as Jackson is from Swansea, MA.

Originally Jackson was to travel to Disney World in December 2007, but things changed as Mom & Dad learnded they were going to be parents again and they wanted to wait until the baby was born and could travel to Disney World with them. So, Jackson is now finally headed to Disney World! The family has chosen to drive to Florida, and they left on April 16th. In addition to Jackson, Mom, Dad, new brother Harrison, Grandma & Grandpa have gone as well.

Jackson just loves Mickey Mouse and has never been to Disney World. It will truly be a wish come true for him!"

Dinner Dance doings - and more!

2009-04-20T08:55:00.001-07:00

Thank you so much to everyone who turned out at the Venus de Milo in Swansea on April 17! What a great night - and if you were there, we certainly hope you enjoyed it!

The auction and raffle went VERY well, which is truly appreciated by all of us - especially when economic times continue to be tough on us all. Our event organizing team, led by Jim Cavanaugh, Jerry Donovan and Joe DaSilva, worked hard this year - as they do every year - and as they have done now for 15 straight years! Thanks to the entire Fall River crew for their efforts on behalf of our wish kids - we simply could not do without you!

There are more events coming up on the calendar that you might want to know about - so make sure you check them out, listed under "Special Events" on the left hand column! For instance, an Ice Cream Social is coming up on April 30th at the Ben & Jerry's location on Meeting Street in Providence (just off Thayer on the East Side, near Brown). Come and enjoy an ice cream anytime between 6 and 8 pm that night and a portion of the proceeds go to our wish kids! We have some great student volunteers from Johnson & Wales running the show - how cool is that?

We will be using this blog to post updates on more of our kids' wishes as well...so stand by for news, as the late, great Paul Harvey used to say. And if you have YOUR OWN wish-related news to share, feel free to post it here, or send it to john@awishcometrue.org and we'll let others know!

Ok, so it's been awhile!

2009-02-20T07:20:00.001-08:00

Yes, yes we know...it's been awhile since our last post! Just because it's colder outside, and a little slower at this time of year, doesn't mean we haven't been busy!

There are alot of things going on at A Wish Come True right now, as we work hard for our kids. You probably figured out that the economy is not only tough on households, but it's especially hard on charities. We're keeping up the battle by holding ticket costs down on events and fundraisers that we will be having this year, as a "thank you" to everyone who has supported our children through the years. Now more than ever, we're glad you're with us, and that you continue to support our kids.

If you're looking for something to do on the weekends before the weather warms up (we hope), come out to one of the raffle events on Saturdays at the RI Yacht Club in Cranston, or on Sundays at the Trinity Club in East Providence! Buy some raffle tickets (lots of winners!) for some really great meats, lobsters, meals and more!

March will signal the beginning of our busy fundraiser-time of the year...with several events on our calendar...make sure you check the Special Events page for all of the updates...and we hope to see you at an event soon! One of our favorite places to go, the Venus de Milo in Swansea, will again host our Wish Dinner Dance and Auction in April (on the 17th) and it promises to be a special time again - get your tickets now!

You can always help - even if you don't have alot of money. Use Goodsearch to do your internet searching, and we get PAID! And if you're an internet shopper, go through our Marketplace page and our kids will receive a percentage of your total purchase! How cool is that? Links to these can be found on the home page.

You can always keep up to date on our wishes (Our Kids page), and be sure to sign up for our monthly email newsletter on the home page. You'll never miss a beat - and for that, we'll be grateful!

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-19T06:12:00.001-08:00

Happy holidays from A Wish Come True!

It's a busy time of year - but isn't that part of the fun? All of us at AWCT hope your holidays are enjoyable, and stress-free.

However, we keep plugging away at granting wishes to our special kids, and hope that you can find the time to keep them in your thoughts at this time of year. The weather's a bit colder, and outside activities slow down - but we're still working as hard as we can...and whatever you can do to help, we thank you! Volunteer a little time? Buy a ticket? Search the internet through our GoodSearch links? Shop on line through our BRAND NEW "Wish Marketplace?" Whatever it might be - it all helps us raise much-needed funds and awareness during these difficult economic times.

We're excited to be working with several student groups over the next couple of months...from Johnson & Wales and Providence College! If you're a student (or if you know one) that needs some community service - give us a call or drop us an email! Stay up to date with what we've got going on by checking in with our Special Events calendar on the website...and make sure your email inbox will accept our monthly email newsletter - and you'll be up to date!

We hope 2009 will be the best year yet - for all of us! Happy New Year from A Wish Come True!

Silpada Jewelry Open House - A Wish Come True, Inc., Warwick, RI 12-10-2008 - AmericanTowns.com

2008-11-20T07:16:00.001-08:00

Silpada Jewelry Open House - A Wish Come True, Inc., Warwick, RI 12-10-2008 - AmericanTowns.com

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Shop for A Wish - The Giving Spree!

2008-11-04T08:09:00.000-08:00

Holiday Shoppers!
Kick-off of the holiday season with big savings! Support A Wish Come True and save! We’re partnering with the Swansea Mall and Providence Place Mall to bring you exclusive savings from your favorite retailers – just in time for holiday shopping.

Here’s how it works:
1) Visit www.thegivingspree.com and find your local mall and select A Wish Come True.
2) Make a secure online donation of at least $5.00 by November 14th. Each donation is 100% tax deductible and 100% of your donation benefits A Wish Come True and our children!
3) Receive a list of exclusive offers from your favorite retailers that are only available on a special shopping day – November 15th at Swansea Mall, or the Providence Place Mall!

And there’s more – at www.thegivingspree.com, you can get gift giving advice, sign up for an online holiday organization tool and even send hints to others about what you’d like to receive this year! Remember, the more, the merrier! Pass this information about www.thegivingspree.com to your friends and family!

Here are just some of the stores where you'll be able to shop and SAVE BIG:
Aeropostale
American Eagle Outfitters
BonWorth
Border’s Express
Christopher & Banks
Claire’s
Day By Day Calendar
Deb
Express/Express Men
Finish Line
Footaction
Fun Fone
FYE (For Your Entertainment)
Grand Wireless
Hallmark
Lady Footlocker
Lane Bryant
Lids
Limited Too
Macy’s
Old Navy
Santa Photos
Shoe Dept.
Spencer’s
Split Ends Salon
Things Remembered
Trade Secret Salon
Vitamin World
Zale’s Jewelers

More offers may be added. Donors will receive updates via email. Help our wish kids and save on holiday shopping at the same time – what could be better? Visit www.thegivingspree.com to donate and save.

Shop for A Wish!

We Are A Wish Come True!

2008-10-09T09:25:00.000-07:00

To our donors, volunteers and wish friends:

Once again, we thought it necessary to clarify a couple of things concerning a newspaper report earlier this week that the Make-A-Wish chapter in RI could be having its charter revoked, and possibly ceasing operations in the state.

This is not us!

A Wish Come True is a local charitable organization, and has no affiliation with any national foundations. We were made aware of this development after a previous media report made it public this past summer. And since that time, we've continued to go about our business, every day.

We know that oftentimes, our work and our name are confused with their brand, because their brand is so visual - and very national in scope. However, we've worked very hard over the past couple of years to make sure YOU, as well as the local public at large, understand that we are not Make-A-Wish. We are A Wish Come True, Inc. And we thank you for letting others know this as well.

What we are, as many of you know, is a local wish-granting organization. We're older, we're stable, and we're still very much in business. We are in compliance with all local non-profit requirements and filings. We are staffed by four part-time employees, and rely greatly on the kindness and willingness of our wonderful volunteers to help raise funds and awareness for our children. And our monies raised here STAY HERE, for local children. We're going to continue doing what we've done for the past 26 years - give kids and families the chance to know that "Dreams are only A Wish away."

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us here at the Wish House, (401) 781-9199. Or, send an email to john@awishcometrue.org. Thank you, for all you do, for our children!

Volunteer Training & More!

2008-09-02T09:55:00.000-07:00

With the new school year, comes plenty of opportunity to work on Community Service projects and requirements! When you (or someone you know) is making their plans to help, don't forget about A Wish Come True!

Adults, college students, high schoolers and all interested parties - our next Volunteer Orientation (for NEW volunteers) is scheduled for Thursday, September 25th at 6:30 PM here at the Wish House (1010 Warwick Avenue, Warwick, RI). If you are interested in volunteering, make your plans to be with us! If you've not had the chance to attend previously, but have already helped at an event or two, you're included! Please call (401) 781-9199 or email john@awishcometrue.org to RSVP. If you have not yet filled out an application, just say so in the email or call, and we'll send one out to you. The training should last only an hour!

We still need some volunteers for the CVS Downtown 5K on September 21st - your time commitment is only 9:00 AM until 1:30 PM, and you can even request a late-morning shift (11-1) if that's all you can do - we'll take it! Please contact Ellena DelBonis at edunnedelbonis@cox.net as soon as possible. We receive a very nice donation from CVS for our participation - please help us make this possible again!

And a BIG THANK YOU to everyone who bought raffle tickets in our annual Barry's Raffle for the Kids! Our winner is Fran Dzurinko of North Providence, RI - Fran's name was drawn from several thousand entries, and she'll choose from a selection of automobiles (or $15K cash) from Barry's Automotive dealers!

Don't forget - there are SO many ways you can help us grant wishes for our children! Surf the web - grant a wish! Shop on the web - grant a wish! Volunteer your time - grant a wish! Make sure you visit our website home page at www.awish.org frequently, so you won't miss out on the fun and opportunity!

We need your help!

2008-08-19T07:06:00.000-07:00

Wow - it's been awhile since our last posting, but that's because we've been busy! So, I suppose that's a good thing!

A ton of great events are coming up to wrap up the summer - and you can always stay up on current events at A Wish Come True by clicking on our Special Events page! But we have a very important event coming up for all of our wonderful volunteers - and we DO need your help!

Coming up on Sunday, September 21st, the CVS Caremark Downtown 5K will once again run its way through the streets of Providence - and we need your help! A Wish Come True was one of the charities receiving a donation from CVS last year, thanks to your help. We need you again this year! We need volunteers to help staff the race course and perform specific duties (to be determined) from 9:30 AM until 1:30 PM on race day. College and high school students are welcome, but we also need responsible adults to ensure that all of our requirements are met...so AWCT can benefit from our total participation. If you cannot volunteer for the 4-hour time period, we will also need help late morning until 1:30 PM - so there's a shift to suit your schedule!

Please consider helping us this year - we had a wonderful team of volunteers last year that helped AWCT earn a $10,000 donation from CVS...which was SO important for our kids! If you can donate some of your time for race day, here is what you need to do:

Contact Ellena DelBonis, our volunteer coordinator, at edunnedelbonis@cox.net or call her at (401) 949-3354. Please include:

Name:
E-mail:
Phone numbers: both home and cell
Indicate if: Adult, college student or high school student
T-Shirt size (adult sizes only): M, L, or XL

Our involvement means wishes for our kids! Please consider giving whatever time you might have on Sunday, September 21st for the CVS Caremark Downtown 5K. One worthwhile cause will help another!

Thanks - and more Wish News!

2008-07-15T08:58:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who took part in our recently completed online auction - "An Auction for A Wish!" As the totals continue to come in, between $7500 and $8000 for our kids should be realized. All bids, all purchases, and everyone who took the time to look through the auction items - again, thank you! We'll be doing this again next year, so get ready to have your socks knocked off!

Today, Dr. Tim Warren is being honored by Governor Carcieri at the State House in Providence, for his recent ascent to the top of Mount Everest! Dr. Tim became the first Rhode Islander to reach to top of the world's tallest peak - and his travels are documented here on our website under "Klimb for Kids" (http://www.awish.org/events-drtim.shtml). Recently, Dr. Tim was honored by the City of Warwick and Mayor Scott Avedisian with a proclamation and honor of having a "day" in his name! July 8th was "Dr. Tim Warren Day" in Warwick!

Volunteers - we need you! Several events are coming up on our calendar that we could use your help with - contact Rosemary (rosemary@awishcometrue.org) for specifics on the AWCT Golf Tournament at Montaup Country Club in Portsmouth, RI on July 27th.

And don't forget - the Barry's Raffle for the Kids is still going on! If you haven't yet purchased your ticket for a chance at a NEW 2008 CAR, or $15,000 in CASH, you can buy yours on our website (http://www.awish.org/raffle08.shtml) for just $20. All proceeds will go to our wish children, and only 3750 tickets are available to be sold - so don't wait!

Oh - and one more thing - could you use a thousand bucks? If you can swing a putter, and hit a little golf ball...you could win up to a thousand dollars - at the 3rd annual Mini Rhode Island Open! It's back again - and waiting for your registration! Play as a pro to win your share of a $2000 prize purse, or play for fun as an amateur with friends and family - and win some cool trophies! Register on the website (http://www.minirhodeislandopen.com) and join us at Mulligan's Island in Cranston on Sunday, August 10th!

An Auction for A Wish!

2008-06-23T07:14:00.001-07:00

If you haven't yet clicked on our Auction for A Wish website - what's keeping you?

We are truly blessed to have some wonderful partners in this years' auction...and some pretty unbelievable items that YOU CAN WIN! But to win, you've got to bid. So get going.

Thanks to RAM Memorabilia for giving us the chance to offer you things like - Elvis Presley's autograph! Or, Tom Brady's autograph! How about Mickey Mantle, or Joe DiMaggio - or Ted Williams? Autographs from Hall of Famers - in our auction!

The travel packages are pretty incredible, including a trip to China for the Olympics! Plus, a week on the North Carolina shore, and 4 fantastic days in Atlantis - can be yours.

There are tickets, home goods, memorabilia, gift certificates (how does Beer of the Month, Wine of the Month, or Flower of the Month grab you?) and more. Have fun, good luck - and remember - it's all for our kids!

Here's a direct link to the auction site:

www.awish.cmarket.com

11,000 thanks!

2008-06-11T13:07:00.000-07:00

Today was a great day for A Wish Come True! Some days are better than others - but today was a good one. In addition to a fabulous Bay cruise taking place, at a special luncheon held at Pocasset Bay Manor in Johnston, AWCT received a check for more than $11,000 - proceeds from their recent "Chocolate Sunday" fundraiser last month.

Thank you so much to Brian Loynds, Jennifer Cipalone and the entire staff and residents of Pocasset Bay - and to everyone who came out to sample the wonderful chocolate! It was so much fun, and we're already looking forward to next year. This is a really fun and unique fundraising event for our kids - and chocoholics, you simply have to be there! Make your plans to join us!

Dr. Tim Homecoming

2008-06-04T05:49:00.000-07:00

It's relatively late notice, but Dr. Tim Warren is returning to RI on Wednesday night, June 4th, at approximately 7:45 pm...he'll be flying into T.F. Green Airport from New York - if you have the chance, come on out to show your support for Dr. Tim's successful summit of Mount Everest - and his support for our kids!

Details on fundraising efforts will be known soon. In the meantime, make sure you click on his "Klimb for Kids" page on our website, and if you haven't had the chance to support his effort - YOU CAN STILL DO IT! Remember, proceeds benefit the children of A Wish Come True! Grab a piece of RI history with a hat or shirt - or you can make a straight donation to his cause.

Congrats to Dr. Tim Warren!

2008-05-27T06:03:00.000-07:00

He made it!

Warwick chiropractor Dr. Tim Warren reached the summit of Mount Everest on Friday, May 23rd - and obviously, we're all very proud of his accomplishment!

Dr. Tim has been a great friend to A Wish Come True for more than a year, and raised $15,000 for our children in his first attempt to summit in 2007. While we don't yet know the total amount raised for the 2008 effort, we are so happy he is safe, that he accomplished his goal, and that our cause continues to get great play - even around the world!

Stay tuned to the website - we'll announce a post-trip welcome home for Dr. Tim when arrangements can be made. In the meantime, if you haven't yet checked out his site, his information, or if you haven't seen what his "Klimb for Kids" is all about, click the links on our website - you can still support the effort!

A Hall of Fame Night!

2008-05-23T06:58:00.000-07:00

What a fantastic night May 22nd was at Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet! If you missed it, you missed out on a wonderful evening, reminiscing about radio days gone by (and more still to come) in Rhode Island...it was the inaugural induction ceremony for the Rhode Island Radio Hall of Fame! And AWCT is so pleased to be a part of something that is only going to GROW as each year passes by.

Salty Brine, Charlie Jefferds, Arlene Violet, Gene DeGraide, Chuck Stevens, Chris Clark, Sherm Strickhouser and Paul Fuller & Al Matthews are the original Class of 2008, and their induction into the hall was full of memories, stories and a few laughs! Each inductee had an audio presentation so we could listen and remember what everyone sounded like in their heyday...and those audio clips will soon be posted on the Hall website at www.rhodeislandradiohalloffame.org. It was great to visit with so many in the broadcast industry, and introduce our cause to so many new people - great for our kids! Frank Coletta of NBC-10 was the master of ceremonies, and did a fantastic job keeping things moving.

This is an event you won't want to miss next year...go to the RIRHOF website to find out more information, and you can even become an Associate Member yourself! As an associate member, you'll be able to nominate and vote on YOUR favorite choices for the Hall, and much more. And, member proceeds go to our wish kids!

Volunteer Training

2008-05-13T06:51:00.000-07:00

Our next volunteer training orientation session will be Wednesday, May 28 - here at the Wish House at 6:30 pm...the official post is listed on the website under "Special Events"...if you have not attended a training session previously and want to volunteer, or have already volunteered for A Wish, please plan on attending! It should take about an hour. This was previously scheduled for May 29, but the correct day is May 28th - hope you can attend!

For those that would like to become Wish Granters for our children, you will need to attend this orientation, and also attend a follow-up session with our Program Services Director, Beverly Molles. Her Wish Granting orientation will take place on June 4. If you're interested in volunteering, becoming a wish granter, or if you'd just like to know more about what we do, send an email or simply post a comment to this blog to let us know you can attend!

Hi everyone - and welcome to Blogging!

2008-05-09T08:42:00.000-07:00

I've been asked if there was a way to provide feedback, ask questions, leave comments, tell stories and so on - so here we go! This is the first edition of the "Wish Blog," where we want you to tell us what you're thinking!

If you're a wish family and have recently gone on a trip or had a wish experience, tell us about it here! If you have comments to leave (good or bad, but we'll hope if it wasn't pleasant, we can fix it for you ;-) please do so. We will also, from time to time, post here to bring you up to date on wishes in progress, interesting stories we have to tell, fundraising events and so on.

As always, the most direct way to get in touch with us is to send an email, or call. But if you just feel like posting some thoughts here on A Wish Come True, now you can!

For future reference, the direct web address for this blog is www.awishcometrueblog.blogspot.com - or, you can always access the blog by clicking on our website at www.awish.org! Thanks for all you do - for A Wish Come True!

John Rooke
Development Director
john@awishcometrue.org
(401) 781-9199