Local author donates book royalties to help grant wishes
Paul’s book, The Arizona Bucket List – Arizona Guide and Journal, features 50 natural wonders in the state.
Since he moved to Arizona 10 years ago, Paul Fiarkoski is inspired to see the state’s natural wonders.
“When I left Colorado, I felt like I had some unfinished business there – things I wanted to see but never made a point to see,” said Paul. “I decided I wasn’t going to let that happen in my new state and I put together a bucket list of the places I wanted to travel to in Arizona.”
What started as a personal list for Paul quickly became an ever-growing journal of the places he wanted to visit, as well as an account of his own experiences and tips from destinations along the way.
“As soon as I checked something off, I would find new places I wanted to go,” he said. “More and more people began to ask me questions about where I was traveling, and I decided to publish my experiences in a guide.”
Paul’s book, The Arizona Bucket List – Arizona Guide and Journal, features 50 natural wonders in the state.
It’s not just a journal of amazing places in Arizona. It’s also giving back. Each month, Paul donates 10 percent of the book royalties to Make-A-Wish Arizona to help fund future wishes.
“I was looking for a local charity that aligned with my aspirations for creating this book in the first place and Make-A-Wish Arizona was the perfect partner,” said Paul, who first witnessed a wish at the Barrett-Jackson auction.
“It was great to see that boy forget about his illness for a moment and watch the joy in his face,” he continued. “I toured the Wish House in Scottsdale and I was so inspired to see the timeline on the wall and how Make-A-Wish Arizona has evolved to granting nearly one wish a day.
One thing Paul was surprised to learn is still a common misconception about the organization.
“The team told me children do not need to be dying to receive a wish and it opened my eyes to the fact that a wish is not just a day or a week but continues to benefit kids and families many years after its granted.”
This deeply resonated with Paul, whose sister was in a car accident and permanently disabled when he was 10 years old.
“I understand how things instantly changed for her and even simple routine things became challenging for her, but every year, a charity would hold this special circus performance and invite disabled kids and their families,” he reflected. “It was something we always looked forward to that made such an impact on our whole family.”
"I love to see the photos and videos of wish kids and how their wish changes their life."
There are so many great charities out there but to have something physical and tangible like that, I just feel it.
Paul Fiarkoski
Paul’s contributions have totaled nearly $1,000 for Make-A-Wish Arizona since he began donating one year ago.
“I feel like it’s the gift that keeps on giving, because I get something out of giving back,” he said. “I know it’s not a lot compared to what some people give, but I feel good that I can make a difference each month.”
If Paul could have his wish granted, he would wish to visit Croatia as the next place on his bucket list.
“Between the topography, culture, views of the water, it’s loaded with its own natural wonders like waterfalls, caves and hikes with incredible adventures to explore.”