TGS in the News


Wishing It Forward Makes Two Dreams Come True

TGS in the News | October 6, 2014
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The Gardner School of Brentwood hosts a Wish Reveal Party

The pay-it-forward movement has a new name, wishing-it-forward, as former Wish Kid Sydney decided to raise money to grant a wish for another child after receiving her very own wish from Make-A-Wish® Middle Tennessee two years ago. With the help of many friends and family, Sydney raised more than $3,000. Paired with the more than $2,000 raised in June by The Gardner School’s Jump-A-Thon, Sydney, received her wish of granting a wish for Wish Kid Caroline.

“After Sydney’s wish was granted two years ago, she became inspired to share the hope and joy of her experience. Sydney adores being involved in Make-A-Wish events, and the fundraiser she and her daddy organized was their idea to help wish-it-forward,” said Lori Phoebus, Sydney’s mom.“Sydney knows the priceless value of a granted wish, and she wants to see more children have that experience. We are truly blessed and thrilled to see Caroline’s wish come true.”

The Gardner School of Brentwood hosted a Wish Reveal Party for Caroline, with Sydney and her family in attendance. The school was excited to host a “Frozen” themed party to announce to Caroline and her family that they will be going to Disney World to personally meet Anna and Elsa from the blockbuster movie.

“I think I can speak for our students and teachers when I say that we are thrilled to continue our partnership with Make-A-Wish Middle Tennessee by hosting this party in Caroline’s honor,” said Scott Thompson, President, The Gardner School.  “I am very proud of our Brentwood and Franklin School Directors and their staff for managing these efforts and showing our students the importance of helping others.”

The Gardner School helped support the wish by hosting their Inaugural Make A Wish Upon a Star Jump-A-Thon in June, which raised more than $2,000. The event was part of the Kids for Wish Kids initiative, which gives children the ability to help raise money for other kids. Make-A-Wish is a 501c3 non-profit that grants the wishes of children battling life-threatening illnesses. The Middle Tennessee chapter covers 38 counties in our area.

Sydney will be collecting donations through the month of September. You can read Sydney’s story and make a donation by visiting www.friendsofsydney.org/wishing-it-forward.

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