Submitted by Make-A-Wish® Foundation
Sing for Wishes is a fundraising event organized by local Make-A-Wish volunteers to raise money to grant wishes to local children diagnosed with life-threatening medical conditions. Make-A-Wish® Illinois will be the beneficiary of the 9th annual Sing for Wishes on Saturday, July 23 at the Gill St. Sports Bar & Restaurant from 6pm–9pm.
For this event, people vote for their favorite local participant by donating in his or her name to Make-A-Wish Illinois. The three participants who receive the most donations have the opportunity to perform a song onstage with the band Retrofit at the event.
This year’s singers (at the time of publication) include Joshua Zackery (O’Brien Mitsubishi), Essie Kasier (TGI Fridays), Kyanna, Scott Peters (Prairieland Elementary), Bernie Wright (Bedrock Painting), Kathy Davis (McLean County Coroner), Tom and Pat Hollaran (retired CAT/Superintendent Morris HS), Stevi Zabawa (You Are Courage), Christopher Corkey (singer/songwriter), and Janet Bantz Glavin (Make-A-Wish Illinois/singer, Goodnight Gracie).
Long-time wish granter and volunteer Jen Mayer encourages people to donate and attend, noting, “Sing for Wishes is an opportunity for people in the community to learn more about Make-A-Wish. As I’ve become more involved as a volunteer, I’ve learned how big of an impact granting a child’s wish can actually make in the child’s life.”
One of these wishes includes that of Brent Edelman of Fairbury, granted by local volunteers Corey Schieler and Kathie Harrison. For the last year of his life, Brent, 17, of Fairbury, has had to deal with the ups and downs that come with leukemia. With the help of Make-A-Wish, Brent was able to put aside thinking about his medical treatments when his wish was granted.
Friends and family joined Brent in East Peoria as he was presented a new Tracker Marine fishing boat. When he received his wish, Brent was finally able focus on one of his favorite hobbies instead of on all the health hurdles he has faced.
“Usually, Brent is very calm and cool, but when his wish was granted, he was elated,” said Brent’s mom, Myra.
Brent’s wish to have a new boat was sparked by wanting to have an experience that his friends and family could enjoy as well. Brent’s volunteer wish granters made sure to make the wish special by finding local merchants who donated items above and beyond what Brent ever expected. “This was the chance of a lifetime for Brent,” said Myra.
Make-A-Wish® believes that wishes are an important part of the overall care and treatment of these children. Each wish offers the opportunity for a joyous, life-changing experience. Since being founded in 1985, the chapter has granted more than 13,000 wishes across the state.
For more information or to find out how you can help, visit www.illinois.wish.org, or call call 309-637-1659. Visit www.singforwishes.com to receive more information on this local event, performers, and to vote for one of the participants with your secure online donation.
Photo by Corey Schieler