World Wish Day was celebrated on April 29. This day is recognized every year in honor of the wish that inspired the founding of Make-A-Wish.
The first wish ever granted was in 1980, when Chris Greicius wished to be a police officer. This sparked a global movement to create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.
To help celebrate World Wish Day, Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida surprised 6-year-old Dominic, who is living with congenital heart disease, with the announcement that his wish to meet the Savannah Bananas will be coming true this June.
Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida strives to create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses in 45 counties across the state. Thanks to their donors, supporters, staff and more than 20,000 volunteers across the nation, Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida and 57 other chapters throughout the United States have granted more than 400,000 wishes nationwide.
Dominic’s wish reveal celebration took place at Cornerstone Park in Ponte Vedra Beach.
The Ponte Vedra Sharks youth baseball team, coached by Zane Green, kicked off the festivities with a choreographed performance inspired by their experience at a Savannah Bananas summer camp. After the performance, the team unveiled a sign that said, “Dominic, your wish to meet the Savannah Bananas is being granted,” and invited him onto the field.
Dominic stepped up to home plate, hit a home run, and celebrated alongside the Sharks as they ran the bases together. This was a huge moment for Dominic as his illness severely limits his physical activity.
The celebration included treats donated by community partners, including Kona Ice, Donatos Pizza and a custom “Very Important Banana” cake from Morrison Healthcare. Another big surprise was the set of Savannah Bananas baseball trading cards that Dominic received.
“Days like today are so special because they truly showcase the impact of a wish. From the volunteers who transformed the field with yellow balloons and themed décor, to community partners like Zane who went above and beyond, to our staff and donors who make wishes possible, this celebration is a powerful example of what happens when Wish Makers come together,” said Anne Cuba, CEO and president of Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida.
Dominic’s wish will be fulfilled in early June, when he travels to Georgia to meet the Savannah Bananas.
For more information about Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida, go to wish.org/cnfl.
