As part of the Make-A-Wish Kids For Wish Kids program, Madeline Moore and Julia Redfield have raised more than $20,000 on behalf of Make-A-Wish® Connecticut, beginning small with lemonade and hot chocolate stands and moving to two Ski-A-Thons per year. They just hosted Ski-A-Thons, March 7 at Mohawk Mountain in Cornwall and March 8 at Ski Sundown in New Hartford.
Madeline and Julia, seniors at East Granby High School, have made an extraordinary impact on children across the state. But Madeline and Julia are not wish kids or affected by critical illnesses; they are two girls who recognize the transformative power of a wish and are passionate about helping local children receive their one true wish.
Their fundraising for Make-A-Wish started seven years ago when they were in sixth grade. It all began with small lemonade and hot chocolate stands, but their dedication and vision led them to something much bigger. They incorporated their love of skiing with their devotion to give back to Connecticut children. Madeline says that “the choice to donate to Make-A-Wish was an easy one—I was inspired by a family friend who was active with fundraising and chose Make-A-Wish as their charity. Then we met a wish kid. We were so amazed by her remarkable story and about the impact we could make and the children we could help.”
In the winter of seventh grade, Madeline and Julia devoted their time to speaking with local, small businesses and asking them to participate, either monetarily or by donating gift baskets for a raffle. The first Ski-A-Thon was a success due to the immense love and support the girls received from friends, family and the community. The girls quickly decided they wanted to commit to planning and executing it every year. Since their first Ski-A-Thon, they have raised more than $20,000 to help grant wishes to children with critical illnesses.
Although Madeline and Julia are graduating this upcoming spring, their involvement with Make-A-Wish and their Ski-A-Thons is far from over. The girls will go to college but they still hope to continue their Ski-A-Thon legacy.
For more information about Make-A-Wish Connecticut, visit ct.wish.org.