On Saturday August 25th, 15-year-old Sharlin from Andover, New Jersey, experienced a special, cultural milestone in her life – a Quinceañera party in her honor. Sharlin’s wish for such a celebration, hosted at Perona Farms in Andover, was granted by Make-A-Wish New Jersey in partnership with Goya. Through the long-established Goya Gives program, Make-A-Wish and Goya joined together to create an unforgettable experience for Sharlin and her family.

Make-A-Wish New Jersey celebrated 35 years of wish granting in the Garden State at its annual Gala Thursday night, filled with celebrity surprises, a wish granted, and a historic first-time meeting, and musical entertainment by Max Weinberg of the E-Street Band and Friends. The celebration took place at the Samuel & Josephine Plumeri Wishing Place, a magical and whimsical castle in Monroe Township that Make-A-Wish New Jersey calls home. The event raised over $1 Million to create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses in New Jersey.

Jersey Mike’s Subs joined forces with its generous customers throughout New Jersey this March, to support Make-A-Wish New Jersey during the 8th Annual “Month of Giving” campaign. The campaign raised an astounding $377,492 for Make-A-Wish New Jersey, which will help the organization grant over 35 wishes to local children in the weeks and months ahead, supporting their mission to create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.

The strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency demonstrated by Make-A-Wish New Jersey has earned it a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator. Make-A-Wish New Jersey has earned this top distinction for three of the past four years.

14-year-old Claudia from Howell, New Jersey, arrived at Jersey Mike’s Subs in Brick Plaza on Thursday afternoon, completely unaware that her wish, granted by Make-A-Wish New Jersey, was about to come true.