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Selfless Student Organizes Fundraiser
Atlanta – Growing up in South Setauket,
N.Y., Jessica DeMaria remembers feeling proud that her father was
part of a Make-A-Wish Foundation fundraiser at Shea Stadium in New
York City every year.
So much so that this Oglethorpe
junior has decided to organize one at Anderson Field at Oglethorpe
University. It's no Shea Stadium, but the tremendous outpouring and
selfless effort by Oglethorpe students could fill all the stadiums
in the National League.
"I've always been inspired by the fundraiser at Shea
Stadium," said DeMaria. "I've seen the children that this will help
and I know it's worth it."
DeMaria, along with junior Danny Giordano, persuaded the
Oglethorpe Athletic Council, Panehellenic Council and the Oglethorpe
Baseball Team to help sponsor "Make-A-Wish Night at Anderson Field."
The Make-A-Wish Foundation fulfills the special wishes of children
between the ages of 2 ½ and 18 who suffer from a life-threatening
illness. The purpose of the wish is to provide critically ill
children and their families with a time of normalcy during a period
of pain and suffering.
The average cost of a wish for a child is $4,500.
Oglethorpe raised $2,600 last week during Greek Week through the
"Penny Wars" to go towards Make-A-Wish. DeMaria's goal is to raise
$1,900 more to make at least one child's wish come true. "If
Oglethorpe could be responsible for granting a whole wish, it would
be amazing!"
"Make-A-Wish Night at Anderson Field" will feature a
silent auction of Braves memorabilia, trivia questions with prizes
going to the winners and a baseball game between the Oglethorpe
University Petrels and the LaGrange College Panthers. Stories of
children who have benefited from Make-A-Wish will be read between
innings. The bleachers at Anderson Field are large and conducive to
picnic dinners so spectators are welcome to bring whatever pleases
their palette.
If supporters cannot make it to the game on April 19, donations may
be made payable to Make-A-Wish Foundation and sent to Jessica
DeMaria/OU Panhellenic Council, 3000 Woodrow Way, Atlanta, GA 30319.
For more information, please call Jessica at 404-504-1576.
Make-A-Wish Night at Anderson Field will be on Thursday,
April 19 at 6 p.m. There is no admission charge, but donations will
be accepted. Anderson Field is located at Oglethorpe University at
4484 Peachtree Road, NE, Atlanta, Ga. 30319. For more information
contact Tiffany Kirkland at 404-364-8447.
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