West Buncombe Elementary third graders raise $1,500 for local Make-A-Wish® kids

Press release

From Make-A-Wish® Central and Western North Carolina

Asheville, NC (October 11, 2012) – “The Soaring Eagles,” a fundraising team started by West Buncombe Elementary third grade teacher, Michelle Ramsey, has raised more than $1500 in honor of three Make-A-Wish® Central & Western North Carolina Wish Kids – Gabrielle, Sydney and Katelyn. Aside from all being third-graders at West Buncombe Elementary, Gabrielle, Sydney and Katelyn have something else in common – all three students have been diagnosed with cancer. The money has been raised in their honor as part of a fundraising effort for Make-A-Wish’s inaugural Walk for Wishes event, a community walk taking place on October 13 at Carrier Park in Asheville, NC.

“We wanted to teach our third graders what it means to show compassion and truly care for others. All three girls are such an inspiration to the teachers and students at West Buncombe,” said Ramsey. The team set a goal to raise $200 for Make-A-Wish®, but exceeded their goal within the first week.

The three girls are also getting to experience the power of a wish through Make-A-Wish® Central & Western North Carolina. Katelyn wished to go to Disney World and Gabrielle and Sydney are in the process of choosing their one true wish. “She wanted to go to Hawaii to surf, but Gabs did research on the cost and told us she wanted to go somewhere closer, so more kids could have their wishes granted,” said Lisa, Gabrielle’s mom.

The Soaring Eagles will join other Make-A-Wish® supporters at Walk for Wishes to walk in honor of their classmates. Walk for Wishes is a non-competitive, one-mile, family-friendly walk through the park where every dollar raised goes directly toward granting the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions in central and western North Carolina. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m., the walk will start at 10:30 a.m. and an awards ceremony will follow. In addition, food and prizes will ensure each participant has a great time.

“I am so proud of the effort the kids have put toward raising money for wishes in honor of fellow classmates. The Soaring Eagles walk team has proved no matter what age, you can make a difference in someone’s life,” said Ramsey.

Supporters can sign up as an individual walker ($5/adults, free for children 11 and under) by visiting walkforwishesashe.kintera.org, or by contacting Summer Lee at (704) 339-0933 or slee@ncwish.org.

About Make-A-Wish®

Make-A-Wish® grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. It is the largest wish-granting charity in the world, with 62 chapters in the U.S. and its territories and 27 international affiliates on five continents. Make-A-Wish® Central and Western North Carolina serves 51 counties in North Carolina from Alamance County to the west. The organization has granted more than 3,000 wishes since its inception in 1985 and has never turned down a wish for an eligible child. For more information, visit ncwish.org or call 1-877-677-WISH.