SHIRLEY, N.Y.- The Make-A-Wish Suffolk County Chapter partnered with the Dowling College Athletics Program in hosting the 3rd Annual Walk For Wishes 5K this afternoon at Dowling’s Brookhaven Campus.
Over 200 student-athletes and staff participated in the event, which had over 300 runners and is projected to raise over $20,000.
“It was so much fun hanging our with all the kids,” said senior Jessica Kalbfleisch of the Dowling College volleyball team. “It was very inspiring to the community come together to help Sam fulfill his wish.”
Prior to the race, Make-A-Wish Suffolk Chapter President and CEO Karine Hollander granted Sam, a 4-year-old boy from Greenport, N.Y., his wish to meet his favorite Superheroes. The Golden Lions transformed their baseball field into a Superhero Academy where Sam and local kids were able to train along side Batman, Spiderman, Wonder Woman, and many others in events such as archery, target practice, basketball, and a dunk tank. Marvel’s Ironman then came for the Superhero’s Oath and to present Sam with a special cape and a trip Disneyland and Universal Studios where he will be able to meet more of his favorite superheroes.
“Make A Wish is such a wonderful organization,” stated Vice President for Athletics Melody Cope. “I am so proud that our student athletes can play a role in making this event special for the wish recipients each year.”
Continuing its longstanding commitment to philanthropy, in 2003 the NCAA Division II established a national alliance with Make-A-Wish, a global charity that grants 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 throughout the United States and its territories. Since it’s inception, the Suffolfk Chapter has granted over 2,400 wishes to local wishes with over 120 wishes this year alone.
Story courtesy of: http://www.dowlingathletics.com/
