Association helps make local dreams come true
Disney said it best with the song, "A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes." The peaceful melody sung by Cinderella starts,
"A dream is a wish your heart makes
When you're fast asleep,
In dreams you lose your heartaches
Whatever you wish for, you keep … "
Thanks to the Waukesha Deputy Sheriff's Association and countless volunteers and staff of Wisconsin's Make-A-Wish Foundation, childrens' dreams throughout Waukesha County have become tangible realities. On Sept. 12, the association will host its 21st annual Make-A-Wish Fundraiser in Sussex Village Park. The public is invited to enjoy a softball tournament, silent auction and raffle that tout prizes such as a 2008 Polaris Sportsmen's 500 EFI 4X4, 2009 Honda Rukus Scooter, $1,000 car service package and more.
All of the proceeds from this year's event sponsored two Waukesha County residents, Tanner of Waukesha and Brianna of Sussex. Brianna, 16, asked to meet American Idol star, Adam Lambert which she did last month in Boston. Tanner, 11, is dreaming of his basement being transformed into a game room. Lt. James Gumm, chairman of this year's event, said the Association was ecstatic to be able to grant two wishes this year based on fundraising totals from last year and current donations.
Forrest Doolen, public relations manager for Wisconsin Make-A-Wish, said the average cost to grant a wish is $6,000, not including an additional $3,000 needed for other incurred costs. This further proves why the partnership with the association is so important - to grant more wishes.
"The sheriff's association has been a solid partner of the foundation for years and has helped us grant numerous wishes by giving their time, energy and resources," Doolen said.
Doolen said the Wisconsin Make-A-Wish's fiscal year ended Monday, Aug. 31, and a record-breaking 289 wishes have been granted to Wisconsin children. The state branch, located in Butler, also celebrates its 25th anniversary this year and Doolen said 3,500 wishes have been granted since 1984. But to keep the momentum going, Make-A-Wish needs everyone's help, Doolen said. The wishes are a bright spot in a child's life.
The Waukesha Deputy Sheriff's Association began its part as a way to give back to the community. Its inaugural year was a benefit for the son of one of the association's deputies, who had muscular dystrophy and needed a van and a wheelchair lift.
"The experience was so positive that we decided to make it a yearly event," said a brochure for the Sept. 12 event. "We have raised over $180,000 which helped us grant wishes of trips, computers, tree forts and much more."
Gumm said he wants to emphasize that the public is invited. You can start early by joining a police-escorted ride that meets at 9:30 a.m. at Wisconsin Harley-Davidson, 1280 Blue Ribbon Drive, off Highway 67, in Oconomowoc.
The ride was added last year and was so well-received it will continue to be part of the event, Gumm said. Cost for the ride is $25 per person and includes lunch, a beverage and one raffle ticket.
After the ride you can stay for the fun at Sussex Village Park. Live music by Caught Looking with entertain parkgoers who will also co-mingle with Make-A-Wish alumni families who have personally benefitted from the community's support.
Doolen said it pains him to see more referrals but the positive is that the community and Make-A-Wish "can be part of the treatment by bringing hope, strength and joy."
If you go
What: Waukesha Deputy Sheriff's Association 21st annual Make-A-Wish Fundraiser
When: Saturday, Sept. 12
Where: Sussex Village Park, Main Street and Weaver Drive
Info: Food, live music, raffle and silent auction benefit Waukesha County children through Make-A-Wish. To sign up for the police-escorted "Wish Ride" or to donate an item to the auction, call (262) 548-0070
advertisement
The Winter Olympics just wrapped up in Vancouver, Canada, and who wasn’t touched by some of the inspirational stories there? Haven’t you dreamed about what it would be like to star in the Olympics yourself?Contest entry based on newspaper coverage area.
Calling all eco-friendly businesses
Deadline extended through March 12.
Lake Country and Mukwonago Publications are looking for local businesses that are doing their part to conserve resources and protect earth. Do you monitor your water use? Do you have a unique recycling program? Do you use renewable-resource building materials? Tell us about it.
Lake Country residents share their views on news, happenings and current events.
LivingLakeCountry.com features more than a dozen community bloggers - a group of volunteer conversation leaders who are up on the latest topics and never short on an opinion. Just a few are pictured here. Check out the rest and see what they have to say!
View All Blogs
Discussion Guidelines
Do you want to become a Community Blogger? LivingLakeCountry.com welcomes your thoughts and opinions. Contact us for more information:
I want to blog
If you're interested in finding out more about sponsoring a blog, click here to send an e-mail to LCP Sales.
MORE: See full gallery
SUBMIT: Post Your Photos now
Do you have news or an event that you would like to share with the community? Whether it's a community organization, a business, a local school, or a notable neighbor, we'd love to hear about it!!
- Photos, Firetrucks and Fun in Delafield...All For A Great Cause.
- Break with Tradition this St. Patrick's Day Holiday With a Savory Corned Beef Soup
- 39th Annual Oconomowoc Rose Sale
- Italian Dinner: Saturday March 27th
- Hamilton Charger cheerleaders take 5th at national competition
- Accompany of Kids, Gala 2010 "Electricity!!"
- Painting a portrait of St. Patrick?
- Eagle Area Community Showcase and Breakfast
- Things That Go 'Vrooom' -- March 20
- Maple Avenue fifth-graders donate to Haiti relief
MORE: See the rest of Your Stories
SUBMIT: Post Your Story now
We asked - you answered - with 70 nominations for Lake Country's top healthcare professionals. See winners and their stories.
