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Walkers raise money to grant children wishes

Posted at 1:25 PM, Apr 29, 2016
and last updated 2016-05-05 21:42:29-04

Thousands plan to stroll through the Detroit Zoo to help grant courageous children in Michigan a wish they’ll never forget.

Make-A-Wish Michigan has granted more than 8,500 wishes to Michigan kids since 1984.  The organization’s fundraising walk is at the Detroit Zoo on Saturday, May 7.

·         7:00am - Registration starts with activities and warm-up events

·         8:45am - Opening Ceremony kicks off  

·         9:00am - 1.5-mile fun walk through the zoo begins

·         10:00am - Lunch, dessert, & entertainment after the walk

·         11:00am - Closing ceremony and awards presentations

Make-A-Wish Michigan aims to raise $525,000 to help create more life-changing wish experience for children facing life-threatening illnesses.

“According to a Wish Mom whose family went to Walt Disney World Resort this year, their trip was more than just a vacation,” said Make-A-Wish Michigan President and CEO Karen Davis.   “It was a week free from stress, fear, and pain.  They could focus on the ‘cans’ rather than the ‘cannots.’”

WXYZ / WMYD Morning Anchor Alicia Smith is proud to serve as emcee for the 6th year in a row.

“Seeing all the kids and hearing them describe their wishes in so much detail and with so much enthusiasm really shows you how much this experience, this gift really means to them,” said Smith.

Make-A-Wish Michigan’s goal is to grant 440 wishes to Michigan kids in our community this year.

Click here for free registration for the 2016 Walk For Wishes.

The annual walk will feature Wish Kids, their families, and hundreds and hundreds of enthusiastic supporters.

The following incentive items will be provided depending on the amount each person or team raises:

·         Walk for Wishes T-shirt - $100

·         Make-A-Wish Michigan tumbler - $250

·         Make-A-Wish Michigan running hat - $500

·         Make-A-Wish Michigan duffel bag - $1,000

·         Wish kid artwork canvas: $2,500

These items will be available for selection after May 31 when walkers will receive online instructions on how to obtain them.  Donations received online or in the office by May 31, 2016 will count toward your incentive prize.

CLICK HERE TO MAKE A DONATION TO MAKE-A-WISH MICHIGAN.