Make-A-Wish^® New Jersey

Make-A-Wish^® New Jersey is excited to announce the 2024 Walk & Roll For Wishes, a community-wide celebration and fundraising event set to take place on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at American Dream in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Presented by Gusto Grill and Pop's Coffee, this family-friendly event takes place during World Wish Month, commemorating the global anniversary of the founding of Make-A-Wish in 1980.

Hundreds of supporters will gather for an inspirational celebration and fundraising effort to help create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses in New Jersey. Interested participants can register at nj.wish.org/walkandroll.

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 path inside the unique destination, food, entertainment and an inspiring program filled with stories of wishes come true. At the same time, the Walk & Roll For Wishes event 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.

World Wish Month is a global celebration inspired by Chris Greicius, a seven-year-old battling leukemia who wanted to become a police officer. On April 29th, 1980, 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, tours in a squad car and even a ride in a helicopter. Those involved in that special day, inspired by the impact they had on Chris, vowed to do more and a global movement was born. Make-A-Wish commemorates their beginnings during World Wish Month, a monthlong celebration each April when they invite the entire world to join their mission.

“As we celebrate World Wish Month at our Walk & Roll For Wishes, we are inspired by our now over four decades of wish granting, here in New Jersey and around the world,” shared Tom Weatherall, President & CEO of Make-A-Wish New Jersey. “We rely one hundred percent on the generosity of the community to continue to move our mission forward. We charge our wish families no fees, and we receive no government grants. We invite all our friends throughout the Garden State to join us for this special event at American Dream on April 13^th, to witness for yourself the life-changing power of a wish, and to help us to continue to deliver hope into the lives of wish children and their families when it is needed most.”

Since 1980, Make-A-Wish has granted over 585,000 wishes across the United States and around the world. Make-A-Wish New Jersey has granted over 12,000 wishes for children with critical illnesses throughout the Garden State since 1983. 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.

On April 13^th, American Dream, the largest retail, dining, and entertainment destination in the northeast, will host the Make-A-Wish New Jersey annual Walk & Roll For Wishes. To become part of the life-changing power of a wish, interested participants can sign up as an individual, start a team or become an event sponsor of the 2024 Walk & Roll For Wishes and help Make-A-Wish New Jersey transform lives, one wish at a time. Visit nj.wish.org/walkandroll today.

Event Sponsors
Presenting Sponsors: Gusto Grill & Pop’s Coffee Shop
American Dream
Beasley Media Group  
Coyne PR
Face Paint by Kate
First Commerce Bank
Fujitsu
In Thyme
Lamar
MJH Life Sciences
Mandell’s Clinical Pharmacy
Medieval Times
Milestone Photo Booth
NJ Party Experts
New Jersey 101.5
NJM Insurance Group
Outfront Media
Princetonian Graphics
Prudential
Servpro of East Brunswick/Princeton Meadows
Starbucks
Sunny Day Face Painting
Taylor Management Company
Topgolf
Toys “R” Us