BATTLE IN SEATTLE BENEFITS MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION
Western students help kids, increase attendance.

Through the efforts of Western Washington University students, the Make-A-Wish Foundation was the big winner at the Battle in Seattle football game on Saturday, Oct. 20 at Qwest Field between the Vikings and NCAA Division II arch-rival Central Washington.

In an effort to make an already big game even bigger, the WWU Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC) spearheaded a ticket-selling campaign to increase attendance and support a charity. Western students sold 1,045 tickets, with $1 from each going to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

And that's not all. Game sponsors Wells Fargo and Comcast also stepped up, donating $2,500 each for a grand total of $6,045. A check for that amount was presented to the Make-A-Wish Foundation in a special halftime ceremony.

Western's ticket drive came in response to a goal set two years ago by the NCAA for Division II SAACs to raise $100,000 annually for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Western volleyball coach and SAAC advisor Diane Flick said the fundraiser gave the students an opportunity to work together toward a common goal, being able to look beyond themselves and put things in perspective.

"These (Make-A-Wish) kids may never have the opportunities our students and athletes have, but through this program they will get to experience something special," Flick said.

Corbin Anderson, a punter on the football team, said the fundraiser achieved its goals.

"A lot of people wanted purchase a ticket and contribute to such a great charity at the same time," he said. "And it was a great opportunity for us to contribute and help out in this way."

Anne Gillingham, Vice President for Development at Make-A-Wish Northwest, said the foundation enhances the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions from cancer to organ failures to chronic conditions by granting their wishes. The Foundation's mission reflects the life-changing impact that a Make-A-Wish experience has on children, families, referral sources, donors, sponsors and entire communities

"If you know a wish child, and have seen a wish being granted, the impact is beyond words," Gillingham said. "It gives them something to hold onto through their tough experiences."

Since 1980, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has enriched the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions through its wish-granting work. The Foundation's mission reflects the life-changing impact that a Make-A-Wish experience has on children, families, referral sources, donors, sponsors and entire communities.