College Park Walk Makes Wishes Come True for Sick Kids

Last year, 404 dreams came true, all wished by children with life-threatening diseases.

It was through the work of the Mid-Atlantic chapter of the Make-a-Wish Foundation, which turns wishes into reality for children in Maryland, Delaware, Washington and parts of Virginia.

But wishes come at a price: the average cost of a wish granted by the Mid-Atlantic chapter is $7,500.

This Saturday morning, College Park and the surrounding areas have the opportunity to contribute. For the first time, the Mid-Atlantic Region will be hosting a event, held at the Comcast Center at the University of Maryland Campus.

To participate, register by noon Friday for the discounted rate of $25 for adults and $15 for children and teens ages 6 to 18. Those who sign up on the day of the event can do so for a registration fee of $35 for adults and $25 for children and teens. Children 5 years old and younger can participate for free.

Donations are encouraged and can be made online or brought the day of the event. Credit cards, cash and checks are acceptable. Checks should be out to “Make a Wish Foundation of the Mid-Atlantic.”

Participants can check in by 8:30 a.m. on Saturday. The walk will begin at 9:30 a.m. and will be followed by family activities, including a bounce house, face painting, balloon art and music.

Make-A-Wish encourages those who can’t make it to the event to participate “virtually,” by registering, and then walking wherever possible. An event T-shirt will be sent to virtual participants.

You can also make a donation. Fun Fact: Terp student Jenny Vasquez, a cancer survivor, is the captain for one of these teams. (She is a senior at the Universities at Shady Grove.) Learn how to support Team Jenny here.

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