Weekend for Wishes

Weekend for Wishes Supports A Wish Come True’s Mission Across Bristol County

A Wish Come True’s Weekend for Wishes will take place March 13 to 17, bringing the community together to support the organization’s mission of granting magical wishes and embracing families of children battling life-threatening illnesses.

The weekend begins Friday, March 13, with Shamrocks and Shenanigans, A Wish Come True’s annual dance at the Venus de Milo in Swansea, Massachusetts. Throughout the weekend, the Hats for Wishes fundraiser will take place at a variety of participating establishments across Bristol County, including restaurants, bakeries, bars, and local businesses.

Community members can visit locations such as Lexi Lu’s Restaurant, Cornerstone Bakery in Swansea, Jillian’s Restaurant in Somerset, New York Bagel in Fall River, Jr’s Seaside Tavern in Swansea, and many more. A full list of participating establishments can be found at awish.org.

For the last 30 years, a dedicated group of local volunteers has led Hats for Wishes by gathering friends and family, visiting local establishments, and raising funds while enjoying a weekend out together. Community members are encouraged to stop by participating locations, make a donation, and have their name written on a Wish Hat that is displayed in the establishment to show their support.

“Hats for Wishes shows how powerful it can be when people turn a fun weekend with friends into meaningful support for our mission,” said Mary-Kate O’Leary, Executive Director of A Wish Come True. “Our volunteers make it easy for anyone to get involved, have fun, and help grant magical wishes for children in our community. Last year, they raised over $15,000!”

This year, Hats for Wishes supports Dominic, age 3, from Swansea, Massachusetts, and Oliver, age 3, from Somerset, Massachusetts. Both children wish to stay at Give Kids The World Village and visit Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld.

Shamrocks and Shenanigans supports Madison, age 15, from Mansfield, Massachusetts, who has cerebral palsy and also wishes to stay at Give Kids The World Village and visit Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld.

Weekend for Wishes highlights the impact of community support and gives children facing life-threatening illnesses the chance to experience joy, hope, and time to simply be kids. Community members are encouraged to attend Shamrocks and Shenanigans, visit participating Hats for Wishes establishments listed at awish.org, and support A Wish Come True throughout the weekend.

For more information and the full list of participating locations, visit awish.org.

About A Wish Come True

A Wish Come True is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization granting magical wishes and providing resources to children ages 3 to 18 with life-threatening illnesses living in Rhode Island, Central and Southeastern Massachusetts, and Eastern Connecticut. In addition to granting wishes, A Wish Come True embraces families through programs such as the Meghan K. Duffy Memorial Hardship Fund, which has provided more than $200,000 in emergency financial assistance since 2019 to help families with essential needs including housing, utilities, and transportation during times of crisis.