MEDIA ALERT: Lakeland Community Unites with Make-A-Wish® to Fulfill 9-Year

Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida, in partnership with the Lakeland community, is arranging a heartwarming parade to fulfill the one true wish of Braxton, a 9-year-old battling a nervous system disorder.

Originally held as an annual birthday celebration parade for Braxton in February, the community is rallying together for an early holiday car parade. The festivities will begin with Polk County Police & Fire Department, accompanied by volunteers, a princess character, local veterans, and participation from local car and jeep clubs. Additionally, the parade will include patrol units, SWAT vehicles, and K9s. The grand finale will include a local choir singing Braxton’s favorite song and a surprise appearance by Santa Claus. 

Understanding Braxton's preferences as a non-verbal child who loves lights, sounds, and bells and whistles, we are encouraging all participants to deck their cars and honk their horns in honor of Braxton’s holiday car parade. Gifts for Braxton are not required, but community members will have the opportunity to bring a stuffed animal if they choose.

December 2, 2023

Car Parade Staging Area:  

Harvey’s Supermarket  

2630 US HWY 92 Lakeland, FL 3380

Home Address: 

2509 Burns St Lakeland, FL 33801 

Jessica Criss, Mom of Braxton 

Community Members as Requested Day Of

Kelsea Hauck, Vice President of Marketing and Community Engagement of Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida  

*Media locations will be reserved and available at each location.  

Community members and media attendees will have the opportunity to light up the street in a festive holiday parade dedicated to Braxton. There will be a chance to capture his genuine reaction and excitement for all the bells and whistles while he’s surrounded by community members showing their support.  

8:30 AM: Arrive at Harvey’s. 

8:30 AM – 9:45 AM: Begin staging and decorating cars at Harvey’s. 

10:00 AM – 10:10 AM: Cars depart Harvey’s. 

        *Police and fire to lead the caravan. 

10:10 AM – 11:00 AM: Caravan passes by family home. 

11:00 AM – 11:15 AM: Police and K9s to interact with Braxton. 

11:15 AM -11:30 AM: Santa  

11:30 AM – 11:45 AM: Choir performs. 

11:45 AM – 12:00 PM: Photo opportunity. 

12 PM: Parade concludes. 

Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida:  

Kelsea Hauck, Vice President of Marketing & Community Engagement  

[email protected] | 201-841-5759  

Jordan White, Marketing & Community Engagement Coordinator 

[email protected] | 770-366-4271