MAGIC: Make A Wish’s 3000th Wish

Make A Wish’s 3000th Wish

VIDEO: A Magical Wish for One Fan

By Emily Rickerson | December 10, 2007

The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central and Northern Florida, with the help of the Orlando Magic staff and players, is granting its 3,000th wish tonight at Amway Arena as the Magic take on the Atlanta Hawks. The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the heartfelt wish of any child who has been diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition.

The wish being granted tonight is for a very special child named J.P., a 14-year-old from Davenport, Fla., whose dream is to meet the Orlando Magic. He loves basketball (his favorite players are Dwight Howard and Carlos Arroyo) and hoped to play in school and in the future, but due to his life threatening medical condition, he is not able to do so at this time. J.P.’s favorite things include the color blue, Harry Potter books, Reese’s peanut butter cups, pizza and especially the Orlando Magic!

His wish will be met at tonight’s game with a number exciting events, including a courtside seat during the game, a shootaround with the team, dinner with former Magic star Nick Anderson and a few more surprises along the way.

The Magic are delighted to be a part of such a wonderful cause and hopes to continue to support the Make-A-Wish foundation in order to help make dreams come true for many years to come.

“This 3,000th wish is a tremendous milestone for the Make-a-Wish Foundation,” said Deborah Rios-Barnes, community relations manager for the Orlando Magic. “J.P. has overcome so many medical obstacles, and we are overwhelmed with joy that we were able to grant his wish and be a part of such an amazing experience.”

J.P.’s wish is also a part of the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s 12th Annual Stories of Light campaign. During the campaign, Make-A-Wish is teaming up with Magic 107.7 FM and WESH 2 News to share 20 inspiring stories of courageous wish children to the Central Florida community. The goal is to raise $210,000 to grant 30 more local wishes!

It is important to remember that while we’re celebrating the holiday season, many children and their families will be dealing with doctors, hospitals and an overwhelming uncertainty about what tomorrow will bring. With the average wish costing $7,000 to fulfill, your generosity during this giving season makes a big difference for the children and families that Make-A-Wish serves.

Give a gift that will change a child’s life forever… grant a wish this holiday season!

To make a donation, go to www.wishcentral.org, call 407-622-HOPE or visit the Make-A-Wish table tonight on the concourse. Your gift will provide what every child should have – a moment to dream, laugh and play.

Emily Rickerson is a communications intern for the Orlando Magic.