RBC Students Making Wishes Come True for Children with Life Threatening Illnesses

After seeing their teacher live through a serious health scare with her young child, and noting how the Make a Wish Foundation gave her hope during that difficult time, a group of RBC students decided they would like to give back and support Make a Wish.

Teacher Ashleigh Kennedy is the moderator of the Red Bank Catholic “Making Wishes Come True Club.” Her daughter Kasey, currently in second grade at St. James Elementary School, became ill last year.  

Kennedy shared the experience with her students, and described how the Make a Wish Foundation helped them through the difficult time.  The Kennedy family received good news — Kasey’s diagnosis was not as serious as doctors originally thought. In celebration, Kasey decided to “give back” her wish.

Some of Mrs. Kennedy’s students wanted to start a “Make a Wish” Club at RBC. As senior Gabby Lubischer notes, “Make a Wish Foundation is a great cause. It really helps kids fight to get better, and it feels good to be involved in something that helps these children.” 

The students worked on several fundraisers last year including a carnival and raised $4,000 for the foundation. Club officers attended an annual dinner for the NJ Chapter of the Make a Wish Foundation where they met several children who had received wishes. 

“Meeting those children and hearing their stories inspired us even more to work for this cause,” said RBC senior Marybeth Lynn. According to Kennedy, “Statistics show that a child who receives a wish greatly increases his or her chance of beating their illness.” 

The RBC Making Wishes Come True Club now has about 60 members who all work to plan, coordinate  and conduct a major fundraising event. The goal for this year’s carnival is to raise $10,000 and reach the level of “wish grantor.” 

Open to the public, it will feature a trackless train, several “bounce” amusements, carnival games, food vendors and music. There will be a Chinese auction and a silent auction, with prize values ranging from $100 to $500, all donated by area businesses and RBC families. A very special guest, who will be announced a week before the carnival, will also perform.

The carnival will be held in the RBC parking lot on May 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Admission is $5 per child and free for adults, or $20 for a bracelet that gives full access to all amusements and games.  

For more information email arasina@redbankcatholic.com.