Cheshire-based HAI Group Grants “Wish” for 12-year old Connecticut Resident

CHESHIRE, Conn. (June 18, 2013) – HAI Group, a leading provider of niche insurance programs and value-added services for the public and affordable housing community, has announced they adopted a wish for Xavier, a 12-year old Connecticut resident.  Afflicted with a life-threatening blood disorder, Xavier traveled to the Brookfield Zoo in the Chicago suburb of Brookfield, Illinois, to fulfill his dream of becoming a Zookeeper. 

Xavier spent a very special day alongside many of Brookfield’s zookeepers, where he and his family received a behind the scenes tour of the Zoo, and were able to interact and feed the dolphins and penguins. His favorite experience was the time spent with the penguins, which are his favorite animal. Xavier’s mother said, “Xavier was so overwhelmed to be that close to the penguins that he was literally speechless most of the experience!”

Xavier chose this wish as a result of his lifelong love of animals, especially penguins. In addition to his Zookeeper responsibilities, over the next few days, Xavier and his family toured Chicago and visited the Shedd Aquarium, Navy Pier, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, the Museum of Science and Industry, and the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower). Xavier had a five-day long, action-packed adventure full of memories sure to last a lifetime.

This is the 10th consecutive year where HAI Group has worked with the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Connecticut to support and adopt wishes of children from across the state. “We are happy to have established a wonderful relationship over the years with the team at Make-A-Wish. The children they sponsor have to deal with the challenges of significant medical issues that consume their lives. Being able to provide some happiness by helping to make a wish come true is something we are proud to do,” said Chief Marketing Officer Ed Malaspina. Mr. Malaspina also serves as the Chief Wish Granter for HAI Group, a role which is dear to his heart. Previous wishes supported by HAI Group include sending a boy and his family to a concert, sending a boy and his family to Walt Disney World, and sending another boy and his family to the Super Bowl.

The Wish process begins when a doctor, social worker, or family member contacts their local Chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. After completing the eligibility process, Wishes are fulfilled upon meeting with the ‘Wish Kid,’ learning of their Wish, and organizing the Wish details from the Chapter nearest to the Wish execution. To find out more on how to donate or to learn about Wish adoption, please visit www.wish.org to find your local Chapter.

Please contact Public Relations and Media Account Executive, Eliza Folsom, at efolsom@housingcenter.com or 203-272-8220, ext. 333 for additional information and photos.