The weekend of March 14-17th provided the backdrop for a local non-profit organization to help children who are fighting courageous life-threatening battles, along with their families.
With the help of many community partners in the Bristol County area, A Wish Come True, the oldest wish-granting organization in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Eastern Connecticut, hosted two events to raise funds and awareness for several local kids, who are battling life-threatening illnesses.
“Weekend of Wishes” kicked off with their annual dance, “Shamrocks and Shenanigans,” and continued over the weekend with “Wish Hats for Wishes,” which included 55 local establishments, joining in to sell “Wish Hats,” and raise funds for four local Wish children.
Overall, the weekend was an incredible success, raising close to $100,000, to benefit A Wish Come True’s mission of granting wishes and embracing the family throughout their journey.
Executive Director Mary-Kate O’Leary said that the event’s growth and partnerships have a positive impact on their mission in the short term, with an eye for helping to reach more families.
“We are forever grateful for the outpouring of support the Bristol County community provides us toward continuing our important work,” Mary-Kate said. “The local businesses really stepped up to support our ‘Wish Kids.’ It is because of them and the incredible volunteers that contribute their time and effort to organize this event that enables us to support these magical wishes.”
Shamrocks and Shenanigans, held at the Venus De Milo in Swansea for the second consecutive year, raised an astounding $86,000, through sponsorships, live auctions, raffles, and donations, with over 500 in attendance. Co-chairs of the event include Carol Cassidy-Lindo, Broker/Owner of High Pointe Properties, and A Wish Come True Board Chairman Paula Pais Leach of Swansea.
An inspirational night of hope raising funds to grant wishes for two local Wish Kids and their respective families, Bailey, a three-year-old who was diagnosed with Unilateral Retinoblastoma, and Kareem, an 11-year-old who was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy.
Bryan Schmeling of New Day Planning-Thrivent, served as the night’s Emcee. Entertainment was provided by Back in the Day band, The Kelly School of Irish Dance, and the dessert trays were generously provided by Cornerstone Bakery & Restaurant.
The presenting sponsor for Shamrocks and Shenanigans was Apollo Safety, Inc. President John Carvalho said that the desire to participate in this event stemmed from wanting to make a difference for others in the community. He saw that the good A Wish Come True does, and eagerly accepted Mary-Kate’s offer to help.
“It is our honor and privilege to help out A Wish Come True’s goal of connecting with as many local kids as possible,” John said. This was the second time Apollo Safety, Inc., served as their Presenting Sponsor for this event. “They perform commendable work in reaching families in need. It is our privilege to stand alongside them and help them in any way possible.”
The month-long “Wish Hats for Wishes” fundraiser, led by a dedicated group of community volunteers, came to a successful close during St. Patrick’s Day weekend, raising over $10,000 for an incredible cause. Throughout the month, patrons visited bars and restaurants across southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island, purchasing paper “Wish Hats,” for a minimum donation of $1.
This heartfelt campaign helped support 16-year-old Logan, who was diagnosed with Epilepsy, and 16-year-old Madison, who is living with both Cerebral Palsy and Epilepsy. A special thanks to Jimmy Cavanaugh and his team of volunteers, who have been organizing this event for over 30 years! Their unwavering dedication and commitment to the cause, continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need. We are incredibly grateful for their ongoing support.
Mary-Kate said that while they are thrilled with the local push, they are far from done from helping others across Southern New England.
“A Wish Come True helps the child and the family alike with programs, services, support and in many other ways,” she said. “While we are making a difference in these families, we know there are many more out there who could use a helping hand, as we have had over 13 referrals in the last month. Our purpose is connecting with these families, and giving them the support necessary to get them through this difficult journey.”
She also noted that the organization is busy putting together several more events throughout 2025, to further its mission and assist more people. Among those upcoming events include:
- April 5th – Classic Entertainment and Sports (CES MMA) Fights for a Cause, at Park Theatre in Cranston.
- June 23rd – A Wish Come True Spring Golf Classic, presented by Massey and Associates, at Alpine Country Club in Cranston.
- August 10-11 – 25th Annual Rock and Jock Charities Concert, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Warwick, and Golf Tournament, at Potowomut Golf Club in East Greenwich.
A full list of events and other ways of getting involved may be found by visiting the A Wish Come True website at www.awish.org.
About A Wish Come True:
A Wish Come True, Inc. is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization founded on October 8, 1982. Their mission is to provide wishes and resources to families with a child (ages 3-18), suffering with a life-threatening illness that lives throughout Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Eastern Connecticut.
Click here now to support magical wishes at www.awish.org. There, visitors may also learn more about the organization, including upcoming events, and how to become more involved.
For more information on ways to help please contact Mary Kate O’Leary, Executive Director, at marykate@awishcometrue.org.
