Page 106 - South Mississippi Living - December, 2018

GIVING BACK wishes do come true
“Together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses”
story by Lynn Lofton photos courtesy of Make-A-Wish and by James Edward Bates
A wish can be a game changer for a child with a critical illness, and Make- A-Wish Mississippi has been granting these wishes since 1984, when the chapter was founded in memory of a little girl from Gulfport.
“Wishes are more than a nice thing,” said Shellie Marengo Moses, South Mississippi director. “They are far more than gifts, or singular events
in time. Wishes impact everyone involved — wish kids and families, volunteers, donors, sponsors, medical professionals and communities. Whatever the odds, whatever obstacles, wishes find a way to make the world better, especially for those impacted by the wish.”
Make-A-Wish Mississippi grants
between 85 and 100 wishes a year. Although many children wish is to go to Disney World, the wishes run the gamut, including such experiences as riding a train, having a jungle gym built, or meeting a celebrity.
“A special thank you to Martin Goldin and Florence Gardens who provide our wish kids and their families with the opportunity to experience Mardi Gras on an annual basis,” said Moses. “Watch for these enthusiastic kids this upcoming Mardi Gras season. We would also like to thank all of our faithful supporters who allow us to grant once-in-a- lifetime wishes.”
She adds that as good stewards, the chapter returns 85 percent of all
gifts directly toward the mission of granting once-in-a-lifetime wishes to children battling life-threatening medical conditions.
Make-A-Wish welcomes all donations including one-time gifts of cash, monthly donations, frequent flier miles, and matching gifts from workplaces. The annual fundraisers include Martini Shakedown, which will hold its fifteenth event next July, and the Ricky Peden Golf Tournament, which takes place every September.
Make-A-Wish
228.575.8691 smoses@ms.wish.org. www.bidpal/martinishakedown
A PROUD SUPPORTER OF
228.861.9500 • www.florencegardens.com
106 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • December 2018 FOR MORE REFLECTIONS OF THE GULF COAST >> www.smliving.net