Make-A-Wish x Senita!

September 19, 2021

Behind the Scenitas: August Community Spotlight

Senita & Make A Wish Arizona Partnership

“Kindness can transform someone’s dark moment with a blaze of light. You’ll never know how much your caring matters.” Amy Leigh Mercree

Senita’s community is strong. We have each other’s backs, build each other up, and push each other to achieve our dreams. Each month, we give back and work to strengthen our community by supporting an organization with a powerful purpose.

In the month of August, Senita partnered with Make-A-Wish Arizona by creating The Wish List from which 20% of net sales were donated. We asked our community to shop this curated collection of blue and white items to help support the Wish Kids of Arizona knowing that “together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses”.

We were so pleased to see the amount of positive support from our Sisterhood! And, guess what?! We learned Make-A-Wish Arizona is a big fan of Senita too! They love our joggers! I mean, can we blame them?!

At the close of the campaign, Senita was invited to take a tour of The Wish House to deliver our donation. We were both honored and overwhelmed to be given this opportunity! We met some of their amazing staff who shared the inspiring ins and outs of Make-A-Wish Arizona. The entire experience was incredibly moving, especially since we were lucky enough to run into one of the founders of Make-A-Wish, Linda Pauling (see picture below)! Talk about a special soul, Linda shared stories and stories of wishes they’ve granted, starting with the one that began it all. Linda’s son, Chris, at 4.5 years young was diagnosed with leukemia. The doctor predicted he’d only have about 3 years to live, so Linda promised and vowed to live a lifetime in those 3 years and that is what they did. Chris dreamed of being a police officer so, at the age of 7, a group of volunteers came together to make him an honorary officer. The day was nothing short of perfect. From here, Make-A-Wish was born. I don’t know about you, but it is hard to imagine a world without Make-A-Wish. Linda believes everyone has a purpose and Chris’ purpose was to inspire this special foundation.

Make-A-Wish Arizona says, “When a wish comes true, it creates strength, hope and transformation in a child - and a community.” My oh my, is this true. “Research shows a wish can give kids the strength to fight against and even overcome a critical illness. A wish renews hope, uplifts spirits and encourages the belief in the impossible. A wish forever transforms the lives of children, their families and entire communities. A wish unites neighbors, friends and entire communities in life-changing experiences.”

This experience was truly fulfilling, especially to hear from our own Senita Sisters who have been personally involved and/or impacted with wishes. We are so proud to support and so thankful for the work and mission Make-A-Wish furthers each year.

Elizabeth Reich, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish Arizona said, “Make-A-Wish was excited to partner with Senita Athletics for the first time through their Wish List sale to raise funds toward future wishes.” Both Senita and Make-A-Wish Arizona hope that everyone who purchased from The Wish List in the month of August knows that their dollars will help create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.

If you’d like to find out more about how to get involved, visit their website at: https://wish.org/get-involved

“Volunteers are the backbone of making wishes come true.”

Pictures from the Make A Wish House Tour