WishMakers Wanted: Arizona's Sports Teams Rally Statewide Support to Kick Off World Wish Month

Make-A-Wish Arizona joins global effort to recruit 1 million “WishMakers” to grant life-changing wishes

PHOENIX, AZ (April 1, 2024) - Make-A-Wish Arizona is calling on the community to become "WishMakers" and help bring life-changing wishes to every eligible child. The launch of the "WishMakers Wanted" campaign coincides with the start of World Wish Month, a global initiative to inspire action and grant more wishes.

The wishes Make-A-Wish Arizona grants wouldn't be possible without the support of countless WishMakers such as donors, volunteers, corporate partners, small businesses, and community leaders. These individuals, who step up to take action for wish kids, are crucial in making dreams come true. However, more WishMakers are needed to help Make-A-Wish Arizona achieve its mission of bringing the impact of life-changing wishes to every eligible child.

Throughout World Wish Month, Make-A-Wish Arizona will collaborate with various partners and supporters to raise awareness and encourage people to get involved. Three prominent Arizona sports teams, the Phoenix Suns, the Arizona Diamondbacks, and the Tucson Roadrunners, have joined forces to support Make-A-Wish Arizona's mission during this special month.

The Phoenix Suns will grant the wishes of Gregory and Dilshaan, who wished to meet their favorite basketball players. The wish will be granted on Friday, April 5, as the Phoenix Suns host the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Footprint Center. The Suns will host Gregory and Dilshaan at the team’s shootaround and provide the opportunity to watch the Suns warm up at that evening’s game.

The Tucson Roadrunners will also play a significant role in granting wishes. On Saturday, April 20, during the finale of the 2023-24 regular season at the Tucson Arena, the Roadrunners will host Wish Alumni at a Fan Appreciation Night. Make-A-Wish Arizona will serve as the official Charity Partner of the Game, receiving proceeds from the 50/50 raffle, which will contribute to granting future wishes. Additionally, one lucky wish kid will have the honor of dropping the puck, adding an extra touch of magic to the event.

World Wish Month reaches its culmination on April 29, known as World Wish Day, which pays tribute to the original "WishMakers" who granted 7-year-old Chris' wish to be a police officer in 1980. That evening, the Arizona Diamondbacks will host a Make-A-Wish night at Chase Field as they take on the Los Angeles Dodgers. Prior to the game, Wish Alumni will be invited onto the field for a special moment of recognition, honoring past wish kids and the Arizona Diamondbacks’ commitment to granting life-changing wishes.

Make-A-Wish Arizona invites everyone to become a WishMaker and help transform the lives of children facing critical illnesses. By joining forces, we can make a difference and bring hope, strength, and joy to these brave wish kids.

Learn more and become a WishMaker today at wishmaker.wish.org.

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About Make-A-Wish® Arizona

Make-A-Wish Arizona creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Together with generous donors, supporters, staff and volunteers, Make-A-Wish delivers hope and joy to children and their families when they need it most. Make-A-Wish aims to bring the power of wishing to every child with a critical illness because wish experiences can help improve emotional and physical health. Since 1980, Make-A-Wish Arizona has granted more than 7,500 wishes in the local community, contributing to the more than 360,000 wishes granted throughout the U.S. and its territories. With 58 chapters nationwide, Make-A-Wish is the most trusted nonprofit operating locally across 50 states. For more information about Make-A-Wish Arizona, visit arizona.wish.org.