FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Make-A-Wish Iowa
Sara Kurovski, President & CEO
515.334.2636 | [email protected]

Trilix
Laura Sprague, Sr. Communications Specialist
515.770.6206 | [email protected]

Weather affects Jolly Holiday Lights, impacts 2023 fundraising
(DES MOINES, Iowa) Dec. 22, 2022 — Mother Nature’s most recent round of weather has Iowa looking like a winter postcard, but that doesn’t help the 342 children fighting a critical illness in Iowa who are waiting for their wishes to be granted, thanks in large part from ticket sales at Jolly Holiday Lights.

With blizzard-like conditions forcing the nostalgic light display at Adventureland Resort to close Thursday and Friday, coupled with pre-planned closures on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Make-A-Wish Iowa President and CEO Sara Kurovski said they are facing close to $50,000 in lost revenue from admission prices, which in turn impacts 2023 wish granting.

“Jolly Holiday Lights is a fun family tradition for many Iowans,” Kurovski said. “But it’s also a primary fundraiser for granting the hundreds of wishes we receive each year for Iowa children and their families. We depend on this event to raise dollars that pay for the wishes, which provide life-changing experiences and memories for those who need joy and hope the most.”

Kurovski said that while the display may be closed until Monday, Dec. 26, there are still ways people can be part of the magic this year.
“Doctors write prescriptions for medicine. At Make-A-Wish Iowa, we like to say we write the prescription for hope,” said Kurvoski. “If you want to help us continue to bring hope to the children waiting in Iowa, hop on your phone or computer and donate through JollyHolidayLights.org,” Kurovski said. “Or, plan to visit us between Dec. 26 and Dec. 30 — it’s the perfect way to extend the joy of the holiday season while on winter break.”

With nearly 350 children waiting for a wish across Iowa, Kurovski said it’s never been more important to keep them and their families top of mind this holiday season. You can view the interactive “Wishes in Waiting” map to read impactful stories of wishes granted — and wishes yet to come — for children in Iowa.

“When I think about the impact each wish has on a child and the ability for a wish to give that child a better chance of surviving their illness, I can’t think of a better cause to support,” Kurovski said. “We are incredibly grateful for the generosity in our community and state.”

To learn more about Jolly Holiday Lights or to make your donation to Make-A-Wish Iowa, visit JollyHolidayLights.org.

Operating hours now through Jan. 1 are:
Dec. 22-23: Closed due to weather
Dec. 24-25: Closed for the holidays
Dec. 26 through Dec. 30: 5:30-10 p.m.
Dec. 31: Closed for the holiday
Jan. 1: Last day! 5:30-10 p.m.