Williamsville Central School District

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WCSD Student Leaders Raise $108,885  to Benefit Make-A-Wish Western New York

Student leaders in the Williamsville Central School District raised $108,885 as part of the WillPower for Wishes initiative, a campaign to support Make-A-Wish Western New York, and grant life-changing wishes for kids in our community, who are so bravely battling critical illnesses. 

WillPower for Wishes is currently the second largest student-led school fundraising campaign in the country for Make-A-Wish.

“In a year filled with many challenges, watching the dedication and passion the Williamsville students had for this campaign and the Make-A-Wish mission was a true joy to witness,” said Mary Hazel, Manager of Development for Make-A-Wish Western New York. “We heard heartwarming stories from students about the impact this had on connecting them to fellow students, both in the classroom and virtually. The entire community came together, all with the same goal - to help create hope and change lives through the power of a wish. Make-A-Wish is so grateful for the support this campaign has provided to our organization, as it helps us transform local lives, one wish at a time.”

“Personally, I'm very thankful that the Make-A-Wish initiative gave me inspiration to step up and collaborate with students and staff from across the District that I wouldn't have had the chance to work with in normal years,” said Kennedy Intihar, a junior at Williamsville East.  “It makes me proud that I was able to contribute to such an impactful and important cause that not only reached our goal but surpassed it.”

Students will formally present a check to Make-A-Wish Western New York on Thursday, May 27, 2021, at 4:00 p.m. at Williamsville East High School.

"It has been so amazing to come together as a District and far exceed our goal to help Wish Kids in WNY. We usually wouldn't have the chance to work with people from other schools so much, but through our Make-A-Wish initiative, we have formed some wonderful connections,” said Katie Hall, a senior at Williamsville South High School.  “Learning the impact of a wish at the beginning of our initiative was a big motivation for us as a group, and now knowing that we will help change lives in our community is very fulfilling.”

The donation follows an eight-week campaign, which began on March 1, 2021, and concluded on April 29, 2021, in honor of World Wish Day.  In total, the fundraiser received 988 individual donations through the Make-A-Wish website alone.  Other activities and events were held throughout the 13 schools to engage remote and in-person learners with their schools, and to unify students throughout the District with a common goal.

“This initiative gave me a special opportunity to feel connected to the East community while I've been a remote student,” added Williamsville East sophomore Colleen Meosky.  “The excitement, unity, and goodwill shown throughout the project brought light to this challenging school year and I am very grateful to have been a part of it.”

The target was to raise $60,000 and to create life-changing hope for wish children in Western New York, who are waiting for their wish-come-true. We are thrilled to report that the students far exceeded the $60,000 goal, enabling Make-A-Wish to provide lasting joy and healing to local wish children and their families.

“It is amazing that we have been able to raise over $100,000 across the District for such an excellent cause. It was great to see the entire school community rally around this incredible initiative. It has been really impressive to continue to see the fundraising number grow and grow day after day,” said Williamsville North senior Grady Andrews.  “I can't wait to see all the great things this money does for Make-A-Wish and kids in our Williamsville community.”

To learn more about Make-A-Wish Western New York, visit www.wish.org/newyork.                                                                                                                                              

#WillPowerForWishes