What is the Make A Wish Foundation?
-The Make A Wish Foundation is a non-profit organization founded in the United States that grants wishes to children between the ages of 2 1/2 and 18 years old with life-threatening medical conditions. There are 62 chapters located throughout the country, and Make A Wish also operates in 47 countries around the world.
How did the Make A Wish Foundation begin?
-The foundation began in 1980, when 7-year-old Christopher Greicius was being treated for leukemia. He had always wanted to be a police officer, so U.S. Customs Officer Tommy Austin befriended Chris and worked with officers at the Arizona Department of Public Safety to plan an experience to lift Chris' spirits. Chris spent the day as a police officer, rode in a police helicopter, received a custom-tailored police uniform, and was sworn in as the first honorary DPS patrolman in state history. Chris died soon after, but his wish became an inspiration for the world's largest wish-granting organization.
How did I get started with Make A Wish?
-My dad's radio station hosts a Make A Wish fundraiser every year, and I decided to go when I was in first grade. I was touched by all of the wishes being granted, and so many people giving money to such a great organization. So, when I was in second grade, a friend of mine and I decided to host a Make A Wish fundraiser at our elementary school, and I've done it every year since. Make A Wish has been close to my heart for 9 years now. Overall, I've helped raise more than $96,000 for the Make A Wish organization, and have helped grant 6 wishes. When I decided to compete in the Miss Americas' Outstanding Teen pageant system, I knew I wanted to use Make A Wish as my platform. There is nothing else I would rather do than to see the smiles on faces of kids that go through painful, life-threatening medical conditions. I am so blessed to have gotten to do such amazing things for such a great organization, and I plan to continue raising money and granting wishes for many years to come.
Ellie's Dance and Pageant Boot Camp and Wish Sponsorship 2014-2015
-In 2014, I hosted a Dance and Pageant Boot Camp for Make A Wish at my local dance studio. It was for 6-11 year old girls who were interested in competing in the MAOT and Miss Arkansas systems when they're older. The cost was a donation to the Make A Wish Foundation. I taught the girls a one minute dance routine that they could use to practice dance skills, perform at a school talent show, or use for a pageant in the future. I also told them about all of the great things that they get to do when they're a part of the MAOT system, such as appearances, doing service in your community and through your platform, competing, and the friendships that you make. The 16 girls also learned how to do an active wear walk, evening gown and onstage question, and also what interview is like. They got a little glimpse of what it was like to compete, and they loved it! The four hour clinic was so much fun, and I think I have found 16 future Miss Arkansas' Outstanding Teens! With the $5,000 I raised through the Boot Camp and social media I was able to grant a wish and send 11-year-old Michaela and her family to Disney World in March 2015!
-The Make A Wish Foundation is a non-profit organization founded in the United States that grants wishes to children between the ages of 2 1/2 and 18 years old with life-threatening medical conditions. There are 62 chapters located throughout the country, and Make A Wish also operates in 47 countries around the world.
How did the Make A Wish Foundation begin?
-The foundation began in 1980, when 7-year-old Christopher Greicius was being treated for leukemia. He had always wanted to be a police officer, so U.S. Customs Officer Tommy Austin befriended Chris and worked with officers at the Arizona Department of Public Safety to plan an experience to lift Chris' spirits. Chris spent the day as a police officer, rode in a police helicopter, received a custom-tailored police uniform, and was sworn in as the first honorary DPS patrolman in state history. Chris died soon after, but his wish became an inspiration for the world's largest wish-granting organization.
How did I get started with Make A Wish?
-My dad's radio station hosts a Make A Wish fundraiser every year, and I decided to go when I was in first grade. I was touched by all of the wishes being granted, and so many people giving money to such a great organization. So, when I was in second grade, a friend of mine and I decided to host a Make A Wish fundraiser at our elementary school, and I've done it every year since. Make A Wish has been close to my heart for 9 years now. Overall, I've helped raise more than $96,000 for the Make A Wish organization, and have helped grant 6 wishes. When I decided to compete in the Miss Americas' Outstanding Teen pageant system, I knew I wanted to use Make A Wish as my platform. There is nothing else I would rather do than to see the smiles on faces of kids that go through painful, life-threatening medical conditions. I am so blessed to have gotten to do such amazing things for such a great organization, and I plan to continue raising money and granting wishes for many years to come.
Ellie's Dance and Pageant Boot Camp and Wish Sponsorship 2014-2015
-In 2014, I hosted a Dance and Pageant Boot Camp for Make A Wish at my local dance studio. It was for 6-11 year old girls who were interested in competing in the MAOT and Miss Arkansas systems when they're older. The cost was a donation to the Make A Wish Foundation. I taught the girls a one minute dance routine that they could use to practice dance skills, perform at a school talent show, or use for a pageant in the future. I also told them about all of the great things that they get to do when they're a part of the MAOT system, such as appearances, doing service in your community and through your platform, competing, and the friendships that you make. The 16 girls also learned how to do an active wear walk, evening gown and onstage question, and also what interview is like. They got a little glimpse of what it was like to compete, and they loved it! The four hour clinic was so much fun, and I think I have found 16 future Miss Arkansas' Outstanding Teens! With the $5,000 I raised through the Boot Camp and social media I was able to grant a wish and send 11-year-old Michaela and her family to Disney World in March 2015!
If you would like to see more information about the history of my fundraising, you may watch these videos below.