The one thing we knew we needed to do was work hard, if not harder. We wanted to not only be bigger, but also better. Again we asked ourselves, "how?" The whole Wheels crew worked tirelessly for months on end to be sure everything went smoothly. No matter how much everyone gave, it seemed like we still needed just a little bit more. As luck would have it, magic happened. Word spread around for our event, and people began to reach out to us asking how they could help. It caught everyone by surprise, but it was a welcome one at that. We needed all the help we could get. From the caricaturist to the photographers and mobile escape room, this year's event was something that we'll never forget. However, the vendors were not the only ones that made this year's event so memorable. The Make A Wish kids and their families did enough of that on their own.
Prior to the event, we were advised that we had 18 wish families RSVP to our event. Our contact at the Make A Wish Foundation told us they had never really seen that type of response to attend an event that benefits these children. We always felt we had created something special, but now we finally knew. The first year we got to meet two families who became our friends, and last year we got to meet one. But 18 families want to attend our event? That was simply put, awesome! Now it's not always guaranteed that all RSVPS will be able to attend, but on that day all 18 did. In fact, more than 18 did. We ended up hosting 20 families, which means we brought smiles to 20 awesome kids.One of the things that makes Wheels Wings and Wishes unique is not just the fact that kids get to come check out some classic cars and hot rods, but they also get to take rides in them. We've all been to a car show or two. There are well more than enough "please don't touch" signs everywhere, but at our event, there are also plenty of sign that read "kids ride for free." A lot of the car owners jump at the chance to take the kids for a spin in their most prized possession. (They even let me sit in the Lamborgini. That will never happen again!)
The rides were not the only thing that kept a smile on the faces of all the children. Having a live band in the mix surely adds to the fun. The band Tuned Up was more than happy to help entertain all in attendance for the second year in a row. But, this time around they did it with a little bit of help. Three of the wish kids in attendance love music and they love listening to live bands. Little Jimmy walked by while the band played Van Halen's "Jump" and proclaimed "I know that song!" Without hesitation, the band handed over the microphone to Jimmy who was more than happen to help out with the lyrics....
"Might as well Jump! Go ahead and Jump," you could hear him sing. This kid was something else, and nothing short of a ball of energy, as well as a heck of a front man!
After all was said and done, the kids voted on their favorite cars. The raffle prizes were given to their winners. The day had finally ended. But, the smiles didn't stop there.Bryan, one of the Wheels co-founders talked to the rest of the gang and mentioned how Jimmy had to leave for the day and really didn't get a chance to go for a ride in "Sylvia," Bryan's Corvette. He made a promise to Jimmy that he would be sure to get him that ride. When we found that out, the wheels started turning (pun completely intended.) We thought it would be a great idea to surprise Jimmy at his house in order to fulfill that promise. That wasn't the only surprised. The band had so much fun having Jimmy around we wanted to make him an honorary band member and had a t-shirt made up to present to him.
When the Wheels Wings and Wishes crew arrived at the Spagnolo home, Jimmy ran out the door yelling "I've been waiting for this all day!" I can't even begin to describe the smile on his face, let alone ours. After a few car rides and some shared cookies, it was time to head on home. Jimmy told all of us that we made his day but honestly, he made ours.
Like stated previously we knew that we had to do better this year, and from what you've just read, it looks like we did. We were able to raise over $13,000 for the Make A Wish Foundation, which also enabled us to grant three wishes! All of the blood (not sure how valid that is,) sweat, and tears that went into the planning of the Third Annual Wheels, Wings, and Wishes event paid off in such a big way, but it's the heart that really made the difference. Without the hearts of Sara Majetic, Dawn and Mike Hluben, Bryan Benson, Amy Egan, Mike Jackson, Bernie Augier and myself Wheels Wings and Wishes wouldn't be what it is. However, it's the children that we get to meet and the ones that touch all of our hearts that make it the success that it is. The same could be said for all of your hearts, too.
It started on a wing argument. It became so much more.
Sinceriously,
The Wheels Wings and Wishes Crew.
#drivingmilesforsmiles
The majority of the photos in this post are courtesy of AJ's Photography and you can find those as well as additional photos here: http://www.ajsphotographyservices.com/wingswheelswishes2017
(Thank you again for volunteering your time and efforts for this event!)
 |
| From left to right: Chuck Hull, Sara Majetic, Bernie Augier, Bryan Benson Dawn Hluben (front), Mike Hluben (back), Amy Egan (in front of Mike H) Mike Jackson |
 |
| Dana Salada and Stephanie Haas volunteering to help check in the Make A Wish Families |
