MONROE – The annual Walk and Roll For Wishes netted more than $100,000 – vital funds needed for Make-A-Wish New Jersey’s mission to create lifechanging wishes for children with critical illnesses.
Hundreds of walkers and rollers, including dozens of Wish families, embarked on the non-competitive, wheelchair-friendly course on the grounds of the Samuel and Josephine Plumeri Wishing Place castle and along Perrineville Road in Monroe on Oct. 20.
After the walk, participants enjoyed a fun-filled day of music, entertainment, games, food and fun, according to information provided by Make-a-Wish New Jersey.
Make-A-Wish New Jersey granted 595 wishes in its most recent fiscal year. Combined with the 2019 Liberty State Park Walk and Roll For Wishes in September, Make-A-Wish New Jersey raised nearly $200,000 to create future wishes in the weeks and months ahead.
“Now in our 36th year of wish granting here in New Jersey, we know that a wish is lifechanging for not only a child with a critical illness, but for the entire family,” Tom Weatherall, president and chief executive officer of Make-A-Wish New Jersey, said in the statement. “Our annual Walk and Roll For Wishes events are an opportunity to invite our donors, sponsors, volunteers, wish families, as well as new friends and members of the New Jersey community to engage in our mission.”
During the Walk and Roll For Wishes opening program, Jennifer, a Wish Mom, shared the story of her son Riley who battles a nervous system disorder. Riley’s wish to go to Las Vegas and become a Las Vegas metropolitan police officer – a wish inspired by watching the heroic acts of the first responders during the Oct. 1 attack two years ago – became the turning point for Riley to experience life beyond illness, and a trip that Riley and his family will never forget, according to the statement.
For more information about Make-A-Wish New Jersey, visit nj.wish.org.