The first day of 2025, will be special for many reasons. For numerous groups and individuals, they will head to the ocean for a great cause, while helping two local kids who are battling life-threatening illnesses.
A Wish Come True, the oldest wish-granting organization in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, will host its annual Polar Plunge at Easton’s Beach (AKA First Beach) in Newport, on Wednesday, January 1st, from 11:00 AM until 1:30 PM. Arrive early, as parking will be limited. This year’s presenting sponsor is LiUNA- RI Laborers’ District Council.
This year’s featured “Wish Kids” are Lars and Indy. Lars is 8 years old from Jamestown. Indy is 4 years old and is from Coventry, RI. Lars had a stroke last February. Indy is struggling with brain cancer. Indy’s father works for the Town of North Kingstown, and it is the main reason LIUNA is the presenting sponsor. Both children’s wishes are to go to Florida. One will go to Disney, and the other to an exclusive Marriott resort.
“We know that one of our teammates is struggling with the unimaginable, as he watches his daughter in the battle of a lifetime. We want to be there for his family. Partnering with A Wish Come True to grant her wish is the least we can do. Knowing that this family will receive additional support through this painful journey is also why we want to help,’ stated Arthur Jordan, Business Manager Rhode Island Laborers’ District Council and Laborers’ Local 1322.
AWCT Executive Director Mary-Kate O’Leary said, “Often, people don’t realize they are donating to help make dreams come true for children with a life-threatening illness. This event features more than 5,000 people willing to head into the water and be ‘freezin’ for a reason’.”
Last year, Santos Nieves carried his daughter, Graciela, into the water, and we were all so motivated.
“It was truly touching to see how our efforts truly matter,” stated Bryan Ganley, a plunger for over 40 years. “Walking behind that family was so powerful and something we will never forget!”
“We are especially grateful to the people who made this event so successful for over two decades,” said O’Leary, who will be one of the plungers. “The money we raise from this event goes toward helping children and their families find an opportunity for joy, as well as helping the family get back on their feet during this long and challenging journey.”
There are several ways the public can help, according to O’Leary. Sponsorship levels begin at $250 through $2,500, and you can find information at www.awish.org.
Plungers will be encouraged to give $25 to take the big plunge. In addition, there will be t-shirts and merchandise for sale.
This year, the charity challenges companies to form teams to get their employees involved. Individuals may also form teams. Any team that raises at least $1,000 will be entered to win a $1,500 prize!
To Form a Team, and to register, or to participate/support in any way, visit 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 children (ages 3-18), suffering with a life-threatening illness that live throughout Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts.
For more details about the event, and/or the organization, please visit their website at www.awish.org. Or, feel free to contact Mary-Kate O’Leary either by phone at 401-781-9199, directly, at 401-644-2237, or email at: marykate@awishcometrue.org
