The Gardner School has been a partner with the Make-A-Wish® Foundation for many years, and we’re proud to support an organization that does so much to make life for more for kids and families with special challenges. The Make-A-Wish® Foundation is well-known for all the work it does to help make kids’ dreams come true. Kids with critical illnesses and their caregivers can be exhausted by the endurance they must show in the face of immense difficulties. The Make-A-Wish® Foundation allows families going through difficult times to take a break from hospital visits to enjoy time together.
We truly believe in the good work the foundation is doing, and we do our best to support them by sponsoring annual Walks for Wishes all across the U.S., including in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and D.C. These yearly fundraising events help Make-A-Wish® give back to even more brave kids.
In addition to sponsoring Walks for Wishes, we open our playful preschool spaces to throw send-off parties for wish recipients. A warm and welcoming space sets a joyful tone for wish recipients and their families. We put up decorations, provide food and drink, and invite friends like Woody from Toy Story or Mickey Mouse to join in the celebration.
Axl’s Franklin Make-A-Wish® Send-Off Party
Axl loves Toy Story, and you can tell by the way he ran toward Buzz and Woody that he considers them to be his best friends. At Axl’s Franklin send-off party—hosted by The Gardner School of Franklin on behalf of the families from our four Nashville area schools—friends and family gathered to celebrate Axl and his wish. At the party, Axl sported a blue and red cape—appropriate gear for the superhero that he is!
Even though Alx is only two, he’s already been through far more than most kids his age, as he’s battled pilomyxoid astrocytoma, a type of brain cancer. So, it was important to celebrate him before he headed to the magical Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. There, he met even more of his favorite characters!
Axl wasn’t the only one looking forward to the event. His mother, Alexis Heady, shared her excitement about the trip, saying, “Cancer has really tried to take us down, break us, hurt our family, and scare us. This wish will bring us together and remind us we can do anything. A trip like this will help us find hope again in one of the most magical and memorable places together as a family.”
Ava’s Chicago Make-A-Wish® Send-Off Party
In October, Ava joined her fans at The Gardner School of Oak Brook for a send-off bash before her trip to Walt Disney World. Disney royalty was also present, with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in attendance. As Ava and her family munched on treats and hugged her favorite characters, Ava got even more excited about her trip to Florida.
Her mom, April, shared what the family was looking forward to about the trip, saying, “We’re all excited about Disney, but it’s kind of nice to just be able to get away from everything and be able to enjoy ourselves and spend time together and not have any worries,” she said. Ava’s party was hosted by The Gardner School of Oak Brook on behalf of families at our 8 Chicago-area schools.
Toby’s Minneapolis Make-A-Wish® Send-Off Party
Busy travelers Mickey and Minnie also made an appearance at Toby’s send-off party at The Gardner School of Edina. While preparing for his trip, Toby and his family celebrated with students, families, school directors, and the leadership of The Gardner School. Many attendees dressed up in Disney-themed outfits, lending to the festive atmosphere. Though hosted by The Gardner School of Edina, all four of The Gardner Schools in the Minneapolis-area worked to make this party possible. Toby’s trip will help his family enjoy time together in what’s sure to be one of Toby’s favorite places.
Giving Help to Kids Who Need It Most
This year alone, The Gardner School has donated $24,000 to Make-A-Wish® chapters across the country. We want to be an ally to all children, including those who can’t attend school because of serious health issues. “Helping bring dreams to life for children and their families is something we strive to do each day at The Gardner School. This is one of the many reasons we support the work of Make-A-Wish®, who is making a tremendous impact on the lives of children who are battling critical illnesses,” says Tammy Robinson, Chief Operating Officer at The Gardner School.
For more information about how we can help your children learn, set up a time to explore the location nearest you. Our interactive curriculum, academic focus, and highly-trained teachers bring the very best in education to every student, every single day.
