Today's Holidays: International Dance Day, Zipper Day, World Wish Day
Website of the Day: https://wish.org
Fact of the Day: In 1988, 119, 986 people in Miami set the world record for the longest conga dance line!
I remember driving by the castle when I was young. I’d peer out the backseat window to steal a glance at the massive structure- its pointed, blue tops, architecturally intricate columns, and the flags on top of the pillars that flew in the wind, side to side. But it was when we’d drive by at night that the castle was alive, lighting up all sorts of bright colors that stand in stark contrast to the darkness of the sky and all of the castle’s surroundings. It wasn’t until I was in middle school that I learned what this castle was: Make-A-Wish NJ. And yet, it was not until my sophomore year of high school that I truly learned what “Make-A-Wish NJ” meant.
After starting a club at my high school to raise money to support kid’s wishes through the Make-A-Wish foundation, I went on a tour of the Make-A-Wish NJ castle. What appeared magical on the outside was just as much so on the inside. There was this one room that they called the “Wishing Room”, which is where the children make their wishes, and as I stood there, in that dark room, taking in the radiating light that projected in ripples from the Wish Box, I felt incredibly connected. I felt that what we were doing at our school, no matter how small, made a difference. I felt that if we could play just a fraction of a role in allowing a child to come into this room, make a wish, and then have that very wish granted, well then that would be the most amazing privilege. The castle, and the Wishing Room specifically, grant so much more than a wish- they introduce a magical experience, a type of transcendence that sparks joy, laughter, and play.
We did plenty of fundraisers throughout the years, including selling blue and gold bagels (our school colors) that my dad donated from Bagel Bazaar, rainbow bagels, large cookies with red and pink M&Ms for Valentine’s Day, and writing goodbye cards to seniors, but our largest event that we hosted was Bingo Night. For months, we worked to find donors for our prizes, asking local restaurants and businesses to make donations, getting snacks and drinks to sell at the event, organizing ticketing logistics, advertising for the event, finding a location to hold it (our school’s library), coordinating with Make-A-Wish NJ for decorations, and coordinating with our school’s business office for the finances. The night was a huge success, raising nearly $2000. While most of our events were geared towards fundraising, we also made colorful, decorated cards for the Make-A-Wish children, complete with foam stickers, scented markers, and bright construction paper.
Today, on World Wish Day, I remember all of the work and effort that went into starting the Make-A-Wish Club and hosting events such as Bingo Night, and then the feeling of handing over a sum of money to Make-A-Wish NJ, knowing that we are all now a part of making a child’s wish come true. So now, when I drive by the Make-A-Wish NJ castle, I see more than a striking structure of architecture and color; I see the beauty of what Make-A-Wish does- how they add an element of surprise, positivity, and joy to so many children’s lives. I see the beauty of our entire school coming together, whether a part of the Make-A-Wish Club, bought items at fundraisers, promoted club events on social media, or attended Bingo Night, to support this amazing cause. I see unity in our school, dedication in our club, and strength in what Make-A-Wish has done and continues to do in contributing that dash of sparkle and light to children’s lives.
Happy World Wish Day! How did you celebrate? Comment below or on @officialoneholiday’s instagram post! #wish #makeawish #celebrate #behappy