Punxsy gives to Make-A-Wish with its heart — again

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Written by Tom Chapin

Saturday, 19 December 2009

Pam Renwick (far right), regional director for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, wraps up the annual “Light Up a Child’s Life” campaign Friday at the Pantall Hotel while (from left) Regional Assistant Kayla Danch and Wish Assistants Polly Mills and Patti Lellock look on. (Photo by Tom Chapin/The Punxsutawney Spirit) PUNXSUTAWNEY — Just when one thought the economy would stall the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s annual “Light Up a Child’s Life” campaign, Punxsy area donors proved the doubters wrong — again. Friday, Make-A-Wish officials and volunteers reported that this year’s campaign collected $72,075.86 — or the equivalent of about 22 wishes, based on a cost of $3,400 for the average wish — surpassing the 2008 total of $71,564.79. And this year’s total means the foundation can provide one more wish over last year for a child with life-threatening medical conditions. Pam Renwick, regional director for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Pennsylvania and Southern West Virginia, said even when people are feeling down about the economy or other issues, giving to others can soften or eliminate those bad feelings. “What makes you happy is giving,” she said. “If you can’t give money, you can give time. Give of your heart.” This week’s campaign wraps up local fund-raising efforts until March. In a three-week span, the campaign began in St. Marys, continued in DuBois last week and concluded in Punxsy this week. The scene Friday was similar to last year. The U.S. economy was in trouble, the auto industry was going under, people were cutting corners on certain “luxury” items, and the word “recession” was on everyone’s mind. Fast-forward to 2009: The economy is still not stellar, and consumers are still pinching pennies, but Punxsy area donors again refused to let the economic headlines keep them away from Make-A-Wish. Renwick said this week’s campaign started slow, but by the time it entered its final day Friday morning, the local office had already accepted $25,000 in donations over the previous four days. But throughout Friday, the donations poured in, and the community — through the auction at the Pantall Hotel and other contributions from individuals and groups — raised more than $47,000 over 12 hours. Dr. Joseph Kernich, who was among those volunteering throughout the week and on WPXZ-FM’s live remotes, said the focus isn’t necessarily on the total funds raised, but on making sure that a deserving child is not denied his or her wish. The campaign was again “definitely affected” by the economy, Renwick said, but added, “I’m happy with the way it ended. We didn’t lose donors, but the donations were a bit smaller. Everybody’s heart was still there.”

Last Updated ( Monday, 21 December 2009 )