Join the Annual Walk & Roll For Wishes and Help Restore Hope When Hope is Needed Most

MONROE TOWNSHIP, NJ –On April 29^th, the Make-A-Wish New Jersey World Wish Day Walk & Roll For Wishes will be hosted at American Dream in East Rutherford, presented by the Battista Family and Gusto Grill, to raise vital funds for their mission to create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Hundreds of supporters will gather for an inspirational celebration and fundraising effort as the New Jersey chapter celebrates its 40^th anniversary this year. Interested participants can register for free at nj.wish.org/walkandroll.

For the past four decades, Make-A-Wish has granted over 550,000 wishes across the United States and around the world. April 29^th marks the global anniversary of the day that inspired the founding of Make-A-Wish and has become known as World Wish Day.

In April 1980 in Phoenix, Arizona, seven-year-old Chris Greicius, who was battling leukemia, wanted to be a police officer. Members of law enforcement, including U.S. Customs agents and the Department of Public Safety, came together to create a life-changing experience for him, including a full police uniform, to tours in a squad car, and even a ride in a helicopter. Those involved in that special day were determined they could provide the same level of hope, strength and joy for more kids like Chris, and created an unparalleled type of charity known as Make-A-Wish.

Make-A-Wish New Jersey has granted nearly 12,000 wishes for children with critical illnesses throughout the Garden State in its 40-year history. On April 29^th, the chapter will host its annual Walk & Roll For Wishes at American Dream, a unique sprawling entertainment destination in East Rutherford, New Jersey. This is the first Walk & Roll For Wishes to be hosted in-person since 2019, due to health and safety precautions from the global pandemic. The event will be a celebration of the entire New Jersey community that has continued to provide the essential support and vital funding needed to continue to deliver hope, strength and joy to children with critical illnesses.

“On World Wish Day, we draw strength and inspiration from our forty years of wish granting, and we remain committed to our vision to reach every eligible child,” shared Tom Weatherall, President & CEO of Make-A-Wish New Jersey. “We rely one hundred percent on the benevolence of the community to continue to move our mission forward, and as we commemorate World Wish Day and celebrate our 40^th anniversary here at the New Jersey chapter, we invite all our friends throughout the Garden State to join us for our Walk & Roll For Wishes at American Dream on April 29^th. Witness for yourself the life-changing power of a wish and its impact on thousands of New Jersey families over our past forty years. We are in the business of restoring hope when it is needed most, and we welcome your generous support to continue to reach more children every year.”

Guests will enjoy a family-friendly event powered by wish families, volunteers, companies, schools, donors and friends. The event will include a fun and interactive walk inside the unique destination, food, entertainment, and an inspiring program filled with stories and testimonies of wishes come true. At the same time, the Walk & Roll For Wishes will showcase the strong community investment of local businesses, organizations and community members who continue to provide the necessary resources to bring the mission of Make-A-Wish to life.

A wish creates an opportunity for hope and the ability to experience life beyond illness. In the fight against a critical illness, a wish serves as a catalyst for renewed strength and encouragement for every child and family on their journey.  A wish helps kids look past their limitations, families overcome anxiety and entire communities experience joy. Wishes can even improve a child’s quality of life.

You can be a part of the life-changing power of a wish. Sign up as an individual, start a team, or become an event sponsor of the 2023 World Wish Day Walk & Roll For Wishes. Your support will help Make-A-Wish New Jersey transform lives, one wish at a time. Visit nj.wish.org/walkandroll today.

WHAT:                
Make-A-Wish New Jersey Walk & Roll for Wishes

WHEN:                
April 29, 2023
World Wish Day
Registration Opens 9:00AM
Event Begins 10:00AM

WHERE:              
American Dream
1 American Dream Way
East Rutherford, New Jersey 07073

MORE:           
Visit nj.wish.org/walkandroll or call 609-371-WISH

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

Presenting Sponsor:

The Battista Family and Gusto Gril

Event Sponsors:

American Dream I Coyne PR I Drizzilicious I First Commerce Bank I Fujitsu I Lamar Advertising
InThyme I Milestone Photobooth I Outfront Media I Wheels for Wishes I Z-100 / iHeart Media

About Make-A-Wish^® New Jersey

Make-A-Wish New Jersey creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. In the fight against a critical illness, a wish serves as a catalyst for renewed strength and encouragement for every child and family on their journey.  A wish helps kids look past their limitations, families overcome anxiety and entire communities experience joy. Most importantly, wishes can improve a child’s quality of life. We believe a single wish transforms lives. With their national headquarters based in Phoenix, Arizona, Make-A-Wish is one of the world’s leading children’s charities, with 58 chapters serving children in every community in the United States and its territories, and nearly 40 international affiliates. Make-A-Wish New Jersey was founded in 1983. Serving children in every municipality in the Garden State, Make-A-Wish New Jersey has granted nearly 12,000 wishes since its inception. For more information about Make-A-Wish New Jersey, call 800-252-WISH or visit nj.wish.org and discover how you can help transform lives, one wish at a time.

Contact:              
Michael Dominick, Assistant Vice President of Marketing & Communications
[email protected] / 215-272-5032 (c)