Make-A-Wish Gives Kids A Party For The Holidays

WATERBURY — More than 200 children, parents, brothers and sisters, and volunteers danced beneath paper snowflakes wish kids designed themselves at the first Make-A-Wish Foundation of Connecticut family holiday party on Sunday, December 19. Children who were recently granted wishes or who are looking forward to having their special wishes fulfilled by Make-A-Wish were guests of honor.

Once welcomed to the indoor winter wonderland, the children met a talking parrot named Sunbear, posed for portraits by Rod Jovanelly of A Touch of Color Photography in Monroe, and pranced to holiday songs played by disk jockey Robert Strucks of New Britain.  They also decorated gingerbread men cookies donated by the Hartford Culinary Institute and received gifts from employees at Hoffman Fuel of Bridgeport.

 A snowman that came to life for the day and a face-painting clown also spread holiday cheer and posed for pictures. All entertainers and volunteers, in the true spirit of the season, donated their time and talents to the celebration.  A huge selection of cookies, finger foods and drinks, along with holiday hospitality, were provided by the Waterbury Sheraton.

Some lucky party-goers won the chance to be DJ for a day at a party they have with their friends, some will receive personalized CDs made for them, and others took home extra-large plush toys. Everyone left with a bundle of gifts, a wealth of new friends, and fond memories.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Connecticut grants the favorite wishes of children ages 2½ to 18 with life-threatening illnesses.  If you know a child who needs help or to learn more about getting involved,  call Make-A-Wish at 203/261-9044 or toll-free at 877/203-WISH.