MISSOULA — Make-A-Wish Montana has granted over 600 wishes to kids with critical illnesses.
The organization, now in its 32nd year, raised funds at their first ever Christmas carnival on Sunday in Missoula. Make-A-Wish Montana CEO Doug Koester said making a child’s wish come true can do wonders.
“Wishes have proven physical and emotional benefits that can give a kid with a critical illness a higher chance of survival, and events like what’s going on here today at the Cambium Place are helping us to raise money to grant the wishes for these kids," he said.
Families filed into Cambium Place at the Old Sawmill District for the event where kids made gingerbread houses, crafted, and even spent a little time with Monte the mascot.
Throughout the event folks were invited to bid on silent auction items and make monetary donations for Make-A-Wish Montana. Right now there are 60 children throughout the state waiting for their wish to be granted. Event organizers hope today’s efforts can provide support for each of those kids.
“Especially right around Christmas time, I feel like people are a little more generous and thoughtful about where their funds are going, and we are just excited to be able to offer this for those families in that time of need and just provide a light at the end of the tunnel," said Chiara Ellingson, who doubles as a Make-A-Wish council member and the community manager for Cambium Place, said.
Click here to learn more about Make-A-Wish Montana.
