Players bring their A (Avondale) Game to support Make-A-Wish

Avondale High School hosted the 8th annual Make-A-Wish Volleyball Tournament to raise money for the foundation that grants wishes to children diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition. Six-player teams of students and staff members from around the District competed in the four hour contest that pitted students against staff and school against school in good-natured rivalries for a great cause. “This is such a great event – everyone working toward one goal – to make a child’s wish come true,” said co-organizer of the event, Avondale teacher Tim Morton. Morton, who spoke at the tournament, thanked the students and staff for their hard work in making the event a success. In addition, he shared how the money raised touches the lives of so many children. “Last year,” he explained, “we raised enough money to help a five year old boy, David, who had spinal muscular atrophy take a family trip to Give Kids the World Resort near Disney. That’s something to be proud of,” he told the tournament spectators, “and this year, thanks to all of you, another child’s wish will come true.”

According to the Make-A-Wish organization, it costs about $7,500 to grant an average wish request. In the past eight years, Avondale High School and the community have raised donations totaling more than $57,000 – almost enough to fund a wish every year. Susan Smith, Development Manager for Make-A-Wish appreciates the efforts of the high school, “each year Avondale shows their kindness and support for Make-A-Wish through their annual volleyball tournament. It is through their dedication to our organization that we can continue our mission to grant wishes to Michigan kids with life-threatening medical conditions.”

Wishes include everything from throwing out the first pitch during a spring training game to learning real-life cowboy skills on a ranch to traveling to fun and interesting places. The Foundation wants to create a memorable experience for both the child and the family that is not clouded by financial concerns so all wish expenses are fully covered, including travel and spending money when appropriate.

“Make-A-Wish is a good organization doing good things for kids – a natural fit for this community,” said Morton who has worked and lived in Avondale for most of his life. “I couldn’t be prouder of or more grateful to everyone involved in the tournament.”

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