Avondale High School Leadership 101 Class makes wishes come true with annual event

Members from the Leadership 101 Class at Avondale High School in Auburn Hills organized a district-wide volleyball tournament that raised more than $6,000 to benefit Make-A-Wish Michigan. The event marked the 9th time leadership students brought the District together for the volleyball tournament that supports Make-A-Wish Michigan’s mission of granting wishes for children with life-threatening medical conditions.

Since the tournament’s inception, the Avondale community has raised more than $50,000 to support the non-profit organization that has granted more than 8,000 wishes to children throughout the state over the past 30 years. “This year’s volleyball fundraiser was a huge success,” said Avondale High School Leadership 101 teacher, Kip Pichel. “Together we raised thousands of dollars to help a child in need, the outcome was incredible and life changing,” he added.

Students in the leadership class planned, organized and executed every detail of the tournament including developing a promotion for the event centered on the theme, Make a wish, take a stand, and make a change. In addition, students managed reservations and scheduled teams from around the District to ensure a seamless flow during the four hours of tournament action. Twenty-eight teams of students and staff members donated to compete and additional donations were received from the District’s elementary schools. “Everyone got involved,” said Pichel, “everyone came together.”

About Make-A-Wish Michigan

Since 1984, Make-A-Wish® Michigan has granted wishes to Michigan children to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Make-A-Wish Michigan serves children throughout the entire state and is funded through community support. More than 80 percent of each dollar spent directly benefits the Michigan wish-granting program. Wish experiences can be pivotal points in the course of a child’s treatment, helping them feel better and providing an emotional boost. This year, the organization hopes to grant more than one wish a day. Visit www.michigan.wish.org to learn more.