Skate for Wishes
In its 17th year, "Skate for Wishes" continued its annual ice skating fundraiser on New Year's Eve to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation. I took over the fundraiser 7 years ago, and 2 years ago, I turned it into a non-profit organization.
The Event
Skate for Wishes spotlights the joy and hope that a wish can bring to children facing critical illness, using a community ice-skating event to celebrate resilience, childhood, and the power of believing in something bigger. In partnership with the Flyers Training Center, this is an annual event held on New Year's Eve.
Wish Kid Involvement
It has truly warmed my heart to see Wish Kids want to get involved and give back through this initiative, like John Woo, who is a Wish Kid himself and discovered Skate for Wishes. He has volunteered year after year, turning his own wish experience into service while helping create joy for other children facing critical illness.
Money Raised
What started as a simple yard sale has grown into nearly $40,000 raised, proving that small acts of kindness can create extraordinary impact. I teach students about Kids for Wish Kids, a school-based campaign that empowers students to learn how to design and lead their own fundraisers.
Non Profit
Recognizing the lasting impact of this initiative, I transformed Skate for Wishes into an official nonprofit—building sustainable programming, formal leadership, and a mission-driven organization dedicated to creating joy for years to come.