FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Three members of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee,
Lauren Boudreau (Sr., Waterford, N.Y.),
Roberto Baroniel (So., Miami, Fla.) and
Kyle Harrington (Fr., Davie, Fla.) visited the office of Make-A-Wish Southern Florida to present President and CEO, Norman Wedderburn with a check for $5,5442.72. The money SAAC raised this year will grant one child a wish to enrich their joy, strength, and hope.
“The experience we had today at the Make-A-Wish office was very heart-warming,” said Boudreau, the current SAAC president. “It was amazing to get a behind the scenes and look at what it takes to grant wishes. The staff was very welcoming and the office was amazing. I am so proud of SAAC this year and the major donation that we were able to give to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. As we saw on our visit, there is a vast list of wishes to be granted over the next four months in Southern Florida. I am so glad that we were able to help make one of those wishes come true.”
NSU SAAC works directly with Make-A-Wish Southern Florida during the year, volunteering their time and raising funds benefiting the Southern Florida chapter.
“Throughout the year when we're working hard to raise money towards a cause like the Make-A-Wish Foundation, you get caught up in everything and sometimes forget why you are raising money to begin with,” said Harrington, next year’s Community Engagement Chair. “The opportunity to visit the Make-A-Wish Southern Florida office reminded me exactly why we do this and that is because we, SAAC are here to touch and support the lives of others who may not be as fortunate as us. Walking around the office seeing all the past wishes that have been granted, I couldn't help but smile and feel inspired that SAAC raised enough money to grant one of these wishes. I greatly appreciate the opportunity to visit the Make-A-Wish office and I feel honored to be partnered with such an amazing foundation.”
Make-A-Wish Southern Florida staff and volunteers are dedicated to granting the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. The three SAAC members also were given the opportunity to meet dedicated employees and gain knowledge into the progression of granting a wish from beginning to end.
“Our visit was a great opportunity,” said Baroniel, next year’s SAAC president. “I think there is a lot to be said about the Make-A-Wish staff and how devoted they are to making a difference in the lives of children who have life-threatening illnesses. This past year we successfully raised $5,5442.72, setting a new standard for future years. After taking a tour of the office and meeting with the Make-A-Wish staff, I would definitely like to see us develop some sort of personal relationship with them within the next two years. Whether it is putting on a major fundraising event or hosting a Make-A-Wish child, I think we can have more of a presence with Make-A-Wish outside of just raising money.”
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