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 News from Around Banderas Bay | September 2005 
Puerto Vallarta Businesses Make a Wish Come True
 PVNN
| | Make a Wish Vallarta is currently planning a fundraising dinner and auction at the Outback Steakhouse on November 29, 2005. |
The Puerto Vallarta Chapter of Make a Wish was formed in November of 2000 by New Mexico's former Make a Wish Foundation Vice President, Bob Mandel. Since that time, MAW Mexico has been granting wishes to terminally ill children, bestowing everything from trips to Disneyland or the beach, to bicycles and electric cars, to the opportunity to meet a television star or be a model for a day.
"We grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy," says Mandel. The joy of bringing a smile to a dying child's face and a twinkle to their eyes in the midst of suffering is Make a Wish's goal, and here in Puerto Vallarta local residents and businesses alike have taken the Make a Wish Foundation to heart.
For example, nine-year-old Kevin has Brumabeli Syndrome, a very rare condition that has caused him to spend most of his young life in and out of hospitals. In spite of his health problems, including a kidney transplant, Kevin is a loving child with a wonderful personality and curious nature that keeps him full of energy.
Kevin recently told Make a Wish that he really wanted to come to Puerto Vallarta and eat seafood. His wish was granted when Kevin and his family were flown here from Guadalajara courtesy of AmeriMed Hospital, were welcomed as honored guests at the Westin Hotel, and were treated to seafood dinners provided by Mariscos Tino's in Pitillal and La Dolce Vita on the Malecon.
Since its inception, the Puerto Vallarta Chapter has granted more than one wish a month, and as more businesses have become aware of MAWFI in Puerto Vallarta, more wishes are in the works. Make a Wish Vallarta is currently planning a fundraising dinner and auction at the Outback Steakhouse on November 29, 2005.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation of America finances its work through individual contributions, corporate donations, foundation grants, planned gifts, and chapter fees and assessments. The Foundation relies on in-kind contributions to lessen the cost of goods and services. Local chapters are funded in much the same way and also rely on special events and in-kind donations.
"I invite you to join us and experience how great the power of a wish can be. If you would like to be a volunteer, make a much needed donation or refer a child for a wish, please provide the required information or contact me personally at: info@makeawishmexico.org or call [800] 337-3671," Mandel says. |
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