The upcoming month will feature plenty of events highlighting St. Patrick’s Day. Parades, music, dancing, and other activities, will fill cities and towns throughout March. It is also the time when many groups appeal for support for various causes.
The oldest wish-granting organization in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, A Wish Come True, will be holding its annual dinner event this year called, “Shamrocks and Shenanigans,” at the newly renovated Venus De Milo, located on 75 GAR Highway, (Rte. 6), in Swansea, MA. Their upcoming soiree will happen on Friday, March 15th, starting at 5:30 pm, with dinner served at 6:00 pm. The Fall River-based Apollo Safety will serve as the event’s presenting sponsor.
A Wish Come True Executive Director Mary-Kate O’Leary said that the event has plenty of prestige having been a part of Bristol County for over 27 years. Funds raised support local “Wish Children” from Massachusetts or close by in Rhode Island.
“The people that we aid daily are going through battles that nobody should have to endure,” O’Leary said. “We are there to provide support in numerous ways, including financial and emotional support. To have a business such as Apollo Safety step up and say, ‘We want to help,’ really shows how important the work we do positively impacts lives.”
This year’s event features dinner, dancing, raffles, silent auctions, and other activities. Comedian David Kane will put on his show, “Misgivings,” which is billed as a “Divine comedy of belly laughs, blessings, blarney, and bingo.” The band, Rugburn, will provide musical entertainment. Rugburn plays a wide variety of music, including funk, classic rock, and disco.
According to O’Leary, more than 600 people attended the 2023 event, held at Whites of Westport, in Massachusetts.
Proceeds from this event will help kids, ages 3-18, and their families, who are battling life-threatening illnesses. The organization helps out with paying bills, such as mortgages, groceries, and other necessities, and also offers counseling and other programs to help families cope with their situation. Most importantly, they raise funds to send the families on exciting vacations and other dream encounters. While many kids choose to visit Disney World in Florida, other kids request trips across the country, swing sets, bedroom makeovers, and so much more.
One of the “Wish Kids” who will be featured is Addie, age 6, from Buzzards Bay. She has a rare form of cancer and is planning her visit to Disney World for this spring.
Apollo Safety, Inc., provides portable, stationary, and wireless gas detection systems, sales and support for most major brands of gas detection device manufacturers, as well as service in their state of the art in-house service center. The company also provides on-site support, with factory-trained technicians for both portable and stationary gas detection systems.
Apollo Safety is a member of the National Safety Council, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Rhode Island Fire Chiefs Association (RIAFC) and the Fire Chiefs Association of Massachusetts (FCAM). A Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB) and Veteran Owned Businesses Enterprise (VBE),
President John Carvalho explained that the idea of assisting A Wish Come True was an easy decision for them.
“We are a community-based company that works to protect the clients and businesses we service,” Carvalho said. “The core values of A Wish Come True aligns with ours of aiding those needing a hand. We are beyond thrilled to be a part of this event, and urge other businesses to consider joining us in pledging their support for our local kids in need.”
Tickets for the event are $60 per person. Tables of 10 people can be purchased for $500. Items may also be donated for the raffle and silent auctions. Gift cards, baskets, trips, sporting events, and memorabilia are among the popular items.
A Wish Come True, Inc. is a non-profit 501©(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 reside throughout Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts.
More details about the event and the organization may be found by contacting A Wish Come True at 401-781-9199, or by visiting their website at www.awish.org.
