"I wish to meet the President"

The President of the United States must be one of the busiest men on the planet. Most people in our country never see him make a speech in person, let alone shake his hand. Well, Wish Kid® Jacob must be pretty special then, because President George W. Bush and the First Lady received him personally in the Oval Office!

Jacob’s big trip started with a farewell party that Wish Granters® threw for his entire class, teachers included. His parents reported that it was the most well-planned, entertaining party they had ever attended. Then Jacob and his family were flown to DC, where they toured  the nation’s most treasured sites, monuments, and museums. The high point of the trip, of course, was meeting the President himself. Jacob’s parents report that Mr. and Mrs. Bush couldn’t have been more welcoming and kind. They even gave Jacob a signed photo of themselves with him, something that Jacob is sure to treasure - along with all the memories - for years to come.

"I wish to meet Albert Pujols "

Jeffrey has several great loves, but two of them are motorcycles and the Cardinals.  While Jeffrey waits for his opportunity to meet his hero Albert Pujols later this summer, his Wish Granters, Melanie and Jani, thought it fitting to go ahead and have his Wish Party even though he doesn’t quite have a wish date.  Jeffrey’s Wish Granters pulled out all the stops in making his party an awesome experience.

Jeffrey rode into Hammons Field for a game of the Springfield Cardinals in style Tuesday night on the back of a motorcycle, along with approximately 20 other cycles following him.  The parade of motorcycles stopped at home plate where Jeffrey’s dad was waiting with his wheelchair.  Jeffrey’s name was announced and he was allowed to throw the first pitch in the game against the Arkansas Travelers.  After, a party deck with food and drinks along with his family and friends were waiting for him.  Jeffrey was presented with an Albert Pujols Jersey by Doug and Erin Lurvey.  The Lurveys asked that friends and family donate to Jeffrey’s wish in lieu of wedding gifts and his entire wish is being sponsored by their generosity.  Jackie and Vikki also attended the game and Vikki presented Jeffrey with his Cardinals scrapbook, which will hold his pictures and memories from his upcoming wish.  Jeffrey was taken to the announcer’s booth in the 5th inning where he met Cardinals announcer, Kevin Howard.  He also announced a few plays over the radio on JOCK99.  Today, Jeffrey was interviewed again on the radio.   

Jeffrey’s wish will take place later this summer, but in the meantime he’s enjoying the memories of his night out with the Springfield Cardinals.  Special thanks to Melanie Sutton and Jani and Aaron Bucy; Wish Granters, the Springfield Cardinals, Hammons Stadium, Doug and Erin Lurvey, Bikers Against Child Abuse, and especially John Q. Hammons Foundation for underwriting a majority of the party.

"I wish to meet Kel Mitchell"

Wish Teen Whitney wishes to be a voice animator so when her Wish Granters appeared to offer her a wish, the first thing she could think of was to meet actor, singer, dancer and voice animator Kel Mitchell. Kel is the voice for T-Bone, friend of "Clifford the Big Red Dog." Kel spent a wonderful, jam-packed five hours with Whitney that included recording voice-overs, doing lunch and playing video games. Kel also introduced Whitney to his wife, who suffers from the same life-threatening illness as Whitney and lives a productive life, also as a voice animator.

Whitney's wish will extend far beyond the days she spent in California and the time she spent with Kel. It will last an eternity as she plans for her future. Her wish was truly one brimful of hope, strength, and joy!