Local grocery stores grant local kids’ wishes
The wishes of twelve Utah children will come true thanks to the efforts of ARO team members and guests.
The stores donated $81, 810.88 to Make-A-Wish Utah. The donation was presented during a special check presentation at Macey’s Olympus. During the presentation, Colette, age 5 who is currently battling cancer learned that her wish to go on a Disney Cruise will be granted.
Brian Simons, store director at Macey’s Olympus and his team put together a fun program for Colette and her family. Ashley Hurty, front-end manager at Macey’s Olympus surprised Colette with a custom Disney cake, Disney suitcase and a visit from seven Disney Princesses themselves. After the wish proclamation, the princess and Colette enjoyed a scavenger hunt throughout the entire store where she collected different prizes.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support of Associated Food Stores and their customers,” said Dainel Dudley, CEO & President of Make-A-Wish Utah. “Wishes give hope to children at a time when they need it most, and thanks to the efforts of these grocery stores and the generosity of their shoppers, we are 12 steps closer to granting the wish of every eligible child in Utah.”
As an expression of gratitude to the store teams, Make-A-Wish is giving each store a hand-drawn picture from different wish children.
Guests at the stores helped with the donation. During June, guests were invited to donate by purchasing a star icon. The icons, many with the names of loved ones written on them by store guests, were displayed in the stores. The stores also sold star-shaped doughnuts and all proceeds went directly to Make-A-Wish Utah. Many stores found additional ways to encourage donations.
Throughout the donation period, several kids who recently had their wishes granted visited the grocery stores where they were celebrated by the store teams. The kids were given gift baskets and allowed to try out different grocery store jobs – including cashier and cake decorator.