Make-A-Wish® Colorado to Honor Colorado Avalanche at Whiskey, Wine & Wishes

Jackie B. in an Avalanche stall with a signed jersey. | Photo courtesy of Make-A-Wish® Colorado

Make-A-Wish Colorado will hold its second annual Whiskey, Wine & Wishes event on Wednesday, April 10th. Presented by Chevron, this fun celebration is country western themed and includes food, drinks, silent and live auctions and a live music performance. During the program, Make-A-Wish will present its second Wish Hero award, which honors an organization or individual that has provided extraordinary support for the nonprofit. This year’s Wish Hero award recipient is the Colorado Avalanche, which has helped to grant dozens of wishes for wish kids across the country. Special guests from the Colorado Avalanche will accept the award on behalf of the team. 

“The support from the Colorado Avalanche is amazing,” shares Scott Dishong, CEO of Make-A-Wish Colorado. “The organization and players go out of their way to make each wish truly special.” Earlier this year, the Colorado Avalanche helped to grant the wish of 12-year-old Jackie from San Antonio, TX. Jackie, a lifelong fan, has a brain tumor and wished to meet the players. On the morning of her wish, Jackie was invited to sit rink side for the team’s morning skate session.

Jackie B. with Nate Mackinnon. | Photo courtesy of Make-A-Wish® Colorado

Each player then stopped to chat with her as they posed for a photo. Following the morning skate, Jackie was invited into the locker room where she was surprised with her very own stall and had the opportunity to interview player Jonathan Drouin. She also received a signed jersey and sticks from Drouin and Nathan MacKinnon. Asked about her wish experience, Jackie enthusiastically proclaimed it was, “The best day ever!” Jackie and her family watched the Colorado Avalanche defeat the Boston Bruins that evening from a suite at Ball Arena.

Since beginning in 1983, Make-A-Wish Colorado has granted wishes to more than 6,350 children with critical illnesses across the state. Currently more children than ever are waiting for a wish from Make-A-Wish Colorado. Events like Whiskey, Wine & Wishes as well as individual and corporate support will enable Make-A-Wish Colorado to grant these wishes as quickly as possible.  Research shows that wishes are an important part of a child’s health care journey and can provide the hope and strength needed to fight a critical illness. To learn more about Whiskey, Wine & Wishes or how you can help support the nonprofit , visit wish.org/colorado.

Wish kid Jack at an Avalanche game. | Photo courtesy of Make-A-Wish® Colorado