Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Virginia

?? A huge THANK YOU to Smithfield Foods for their generous donation to Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia! ?? Their support helps bring hope, joy, and life-changing experiences to children and families in our local Virginia communities. Together, we’re making wishes come true! ??

In celebration of National Hiking Day today, we invite you to take the next step and join us for Trailblaze Challenge 2025! This 18-mile hike through Shenandoah National Park on April 11-13, 2025 is not only a test of endurance but an unforgettable adventure! The hike experience includes a specialized hike training program, peer-to-peer fundraising assistance, weekend accommodations, and hike day support. Learn more and sign up at va.wish.org/trailblaze today!

We’re thrilled to welcome Betsey Odell as our new Director of Development at Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia! With an impressive background in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and grant management, Betsey brings exceptional expertise to our team. During her career, she has successfully raised funds in support of innovative education programs and impactful medical research. Her extensive experience in business development, brand marketing, and strategic growth will be invaluable in advancing our mission to grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses in Virginia. Please join us in welcoming Betsey to our community!

Looking for a fun, family-friendly event next weekend? Join us and the VirginiaDMV on Saturday, November 16 at Trucking Through the Decades: A Safety Showcase! Explore the incredible Keystone Antique Truck & Tractor Museum and enjoy classic cars, trucks, tractors, memorabilia, and a safety showcase featuring interactive exhibits on how to share the road safely with tractor trailers. Admission to the museum is FREE and proceeds from door prizes and 50/50 drawings will benefit Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia! Learn more at: https://lnkd.in/eb8gE65k

Last month, we granted 12 wishes! Visit va.wish.org to learn about the types of wishes we grant and how you can support local wish kids today!

??? Wishing everyone a spooktacular Halloween from all of us at Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia! Check out these amazing carved pumpkins from our staff—each one glowing with the light of hope and joy! ??

We look forward to seeing everyone at the Gloucester VirginiaDMV from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. tomorrow for Through the Decades: DMV Classic Car Show to celebrate the DMV's 100th anniversary! Proceeds benefit Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia! ?$20 onsite registration fee for all cars (cash only) ?Free spectator admission and parking Learn more at: https://lnkd.in/ekWcuwQ4

I wanted to take a moment to share something very important to our family.?We proudly support Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia, an incredible organization dedicated to granting life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.?Their mission is inspiring, and the joy they bring to children and their families is immeasurable. We know firsthand, as our youngest son Ethan received a wish in 2021, and what a difference it made for him and our family.?(The picture below is from Ethan's big wish-granting day during COVID!) For the 2nd year in a row, Anne-Marie and I will participate in the Trailblaze Challenge and hike 18 miles through the Shenandoah National Park in April.? Our goal is to help grant more wishes locally in Virginia, and we greatly appreciate and need your support.?You can support Team Theriot by making a donation today, https://lnkd.in/ePAF6urP Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a significant impact on the lives of these brave children and their families.?From September 2023 through August 2024, the Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia chapter granted 193 wishes, but there are nearly 230 more children waiting to receive a wish.?Together, we can help make a difference.

?? Looking for an adventure that makes a difference? Lace up your hiking boots for our annual Trailblaze Challenge on April 11-13, 2025 in Shenandoah National Park! Get ready to trek 18 miles of breathtaking terrain all while granting life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses in Virginia. ?? Hike: Take on the challenge of a lifetime and push yourself beyond limits for a cause that truly matters. You’ll be part of a community of hikers determined to make every mile count. ?? Sponsor: Partner with us to showcase your business while supporting our mission. Your sponsorship will help bring hope, strength, and joy to local Virginia wish kids. ?? Fundraise: Whether you're hiking or not, you can help by rallying your friends, family, and colleagues to donate in support of our Trailblazers. Every dollar raised brings us closer to granting more wishes in our Virginia communities! Are you ready to accept the challenge? ?? Learn more and sign up at va.wish.org/trailblaze today!

We're so grateful to our friends at Make-A-Wish? Illinois for helping to create such an incredible experience for Virginia wish kid Caden last weekend. Check out some of the amazing photos from his wish to meet the Chicago Bears! Special thanks to Fanatics, the official sports partner of Make-A-Wish America!