Carnival Foundation Named Make-A-Wish Southern Florida’s ‘Foundation of the Year’

MIAMI (Oct. 15, 2013) — The Miami-based Carnival Foundation was honored by Make-A-Wish Southern Florida as its “Foundation of the Year” at the wish-granting organization’s recent donor appreciation event at Jungle Island.

The cruise line foundation’s numerous contributions helped Make-A-Wish grant more than 500 wishes to local children who have life-threatening medical conditions during its 2012-13 fiscal year.

“We’re indebted to everyone who helps us bring happiness into the lives of children and families coping with difficult circumstances,” said Norman Wedderburn, Make-A-Wish Southern Florida president & CEO. “Carnival’s unselfish devotion to our cause enables us to provide life-altering wish experiences that empower both the recipients and all those connected to it.”

Carnival’s Foundation, a Make-A-Wish partner since 1995, supports the Southern Florida chapter at annual events (InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball and the Ultimate Sports Auction) and through in-kind donations for wish families that cruise with them. This includes complimentary fares, on-shore excursions, private meetings with the ship’s captain, and behind-the-scenes tours of the galley and bridge. In total, their contributions equate to $420,000, enough to grant 84 wishes for local children who have life-threatening medical conditions.

“We’re deeply honored to be recognized by Make-a-Wish Southern Florida, one of our longest and most-valued partnerships,” said Linda Coll, director of Carnival Foundation. “The Foundation strives to positively affect the lives of children in our community, and there’s nothing more rewarding than helping to fulfill the dreams of a wish child.”

Celebrating its 30th year of wish-granting, Make-A-Wish Southern Florida has delivered more than 9,000 wishes to children who have life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy. Wish kids most often ‘wish to be’ (something), ‘wish to meet’ (someone), ‘wish to go’ (somewhere), or ‘wish to have’ (something) and the nonprofit organization makes this happen for the child and his/her entire family at no cost to them.

The Southern Florida chapter grants a wish every 16 hours, at an average cost of $5,000, and is committed to making a dream come true for every medically-eligible child in its territory, which includes 13 Florida counties and the U.S. Virgin Islands. It completes its mission without federal or state funding, raising money through corporate sponsorships, special events, foundation grants, and individual contributions.