For Immediate Release: Community News
Contact: Lisa Gleeson (207.221-2306)
Make-A-Wish child Cameron, 9, of New Gloucester will kick off his Wish experience and the Foundation’s Season of Wishes by helping Santa light the Christmas tree in downtown Portland.
Make-A-Wish child James Taylor, 8, of Portland eagerly awaits his wish trip to Sea World. Help grant his wish by donating a minimum of $2 at all KeyBank locations across Maine and receive a special Village Candle ornamental air freshener.
PORTLAND, ME – November 22, 2010 - To kickoff the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s holiday campaign Season of WishesSM, 9-year-old wish child Cameron Tufts of New Gloucester has a special duty.
At 5:30 p.m. this Friday, Nov. 26, Cameron will magically light the Monument Square Christmas tree at Portland Downtown District’s annual holiday celebration! Cameron and his family are excited for the opportunity to meet Santa, Rick Charette and the Bubblegum band.
“Cameron will really enjoy this,” said Cameron’s father Mark. “It’s going to be awesome!” Cameron’s entire family including his two sisters, Darian and Maya, will be there to watch him have his special moment.
Over the past three years, Cameron has battled Leukemia and had to put his childhood on hold and avoid public places while receiving treatments. He is just now starting his journey with Make-A-Wish and is in the dreaming stage while he chooses his wish.
“We are excited for Cameron to be able to have a chance to feel the magic of Christmas at this hallmark event,” said Lisa Gleeson of Make-A-Wish. “It’s a perfect way to kickoff our Season of Wishes.”
With this campaign, the Foundation’s goal is to raise enough money to grant 15 wishes ($90,000) to Maine kids, including Cameron. From making a gift online, donating at VIP Parts, Tires and Service, giving airline miles, buying a Village Candle ornamental air freshener at KeyBank to writing a letter to Santa at Macy’s, there are 15 easy ways to support Season of Wishes and become a part of granting wishes to courageous Maine kids. Visit www.mainewish.org to see the full list of ways to help.
To hear stories from wish children, families, and volunteers over the next three weeks, listen to Frank FM or follow the Foundation on facebook®.
ABOUT THE MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION
The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. The Maine Chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation opened in 1992. As of March 2010, we have granted over 900 wishes. This year, the Foundation expects to grant the greatest wish of over 75 seriously ill Maine children, which is an average of one wish every five days. The average cost of a wish is $6,000. All money raised in Maine stays in Maine. Of the money donated, 77% goes towards program expenses (granting wishes), which is 12% more than the minimum required of non-profits by the Better Business Bureau. All wish expenses are fully covered by the Foundation. The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Maine is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, and all contributions are tax deductible.
The Maine chapter has over 200 volunteers statewide, and a staff of six. Our offices are located at 87 Elm Street, in Camden, and 477 Congress Street, Suite 7W, in Portland. For more information about the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Maine, visit
www.mainewish.org and discover how you can share the power of a wish®.
“Season of Wishes” press release ,which included the call to purchase the Village Candle Christmas Tree Fragranced Ornaments/air fresheners at KeyBank and please note: Available on-line at
www.villagecandle.com, and the Village Candle Factory Store-Topsham. 100% of the proceeds go directly to Make A Wish Foundation.