BOISE, Idaho — On Monday, hundreds of people showed up to Make-A-Wish Idaho's biggest fundraiser of the year. The goal — to raise as much money as possible to help grant wishes for kids with critical illnesses.
The first hour of the fundraiser was essentially an interactive talent show. About four members from each of the BSU sports team lined one of the hallways in Albertsons Stadium.
People who went to the fundraiser bought "wish bucks." They could spend those bucks at any of the stations. Each team raised money for a specific kid hoping to have their wish granted.
"These are kids that have been through some unimaginable medical procedures," Make-A-Wish Idaho President Janie Best said. "A wish will give a child and their family hope, strength and joy. And in some cases, it helps them be more compliant in their treatments. So, it's not just something nice to do. It's something really necessary."
Make-A-Wish Idaho granted almost 130 wishes last year. They are hoping to grant even more this year. Nearly 160 kids are currently waiting for their wishes.
One of those kids, 9-year-old Hank Jones, got his wish granted during the fundraiser. He was diagnosed with a live disease at birth. On Tuesday, he is leaving for Texas to hang out with some famous cowboys.
"I don't think families will ever know the effect that this has on the whole family," Hank's mom said. "For something like this to happen is life changing."
Best said it will cost about $1.7 million to grant all the wishes for the kids waiting. The average wish costs more than $7,000. Best encourage everyone visit their website to learn more about the wishes and the organization's financial need.
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