WHAT: Brielle is an 11-year-old girl battling a nervous system disorder. She just recently returned home from the hospital and asked Make-A-Wish Central & Northern Florida to bring the “Joy of Christmas” to her neighborhood. While in the hospital, she did not get to see her friends, neighbors and family because she was often isolated. To her, Christmas is not about presents, but about community. For her wish, she wanted to celebrate the holiday early with the people she loves most.
Make-A-Wish Central & Northern Florida partnered with the Orlando community to grant Brielle a surprise Winter Wonderland wish outside of her home. Her wish day began with a car parade lead by the Maitland Police Department, UCF Police Department, friends, neighbors, family, volunteers and then capped with Orange County Fire Engines with Santa in tow.
After the car parade, Santa stopped for photos with the family and kicked off the Winter Wonderland showcase! The first act was a Ballerina from the Orlando Ballet presenting Brielle with her own Nutcracker, one of her favorite holiday stories. This was followed by a dance performance by the Crawford Jazz Project Dance Company, and Carolers from Timber Creek High School and Avalon Middle School.
Prior to the wish experience kicking off at 1pm, volunteers and local vendors arrived to transform Brielle’s cul-de-sac into a Winter Wonderland, decorating her house with lights, Christmas trees, balloon arches, snow machines, snacks and more.
Brielle did NOT know that her wish was going to be be granted on Saturday, December 18th! This was a complete surprise for her, right before the Holidays.
WHEN: WISH DAY – Saturday, December 18th, 2021.
WHERE: Wish Day Locations:
*Media locations were reserved and available at each location.*
Car Parade Staging Area:
150 Cavan Lane, Orlando, FL 32828
MEDIA INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES THAT TOOK PLACE:
-Wish Mom & Wish Dad
-Anne Cuba, Make-A-Wish® Central & Northern Florida President and CEO
-Kelsea Hauck, Director of Marketing & Community Engagement with Make-A-Wish® Central & Northern Florida
-Orange County Fire Department Officials
MORE DETAILS: The Orlando community and Make-A-Wish® Central & Northern Florida have rallied together to grant Brielle's wish within 5 days, as Brielle’s Christmas Wish came to her early.
In addition to the parade and performances, there were also snack, a DJ, and a movie playing for the community to enjoy. The families Home Owners Association even put a message out to their residents inviting them to come out and support the wish family.
The individuals decorating the families home donated the lights and their time to decorate their home for the holidays. They also gifted them to the family so they can continue to enjoy them throughout the rest of the Holiday season. Brielle loves looking at lights while sitting on her back porch.
Dozens of hands came together to pull off this Holiday wish. We were honored to witness the power of a wish across Brielle’s face on Saturday, December 18th, 2021.
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MEDIA CONTACT
Kelsea Hauck
Make-A-Wish Central & Northern Florida
407-622-4673
[email protected]