Coeur d’Alene community raises over $62K for local children with critical illnesses

COEUR d'ALENE — Over 200 local residents raised more than $62,000 for Make-A-Wish Idaho and the wish kids it serves when they participated June 1 in the Walk For Wishes North Idaho at Riverstone Park.

The inaugural Walk For Wishes North Idaho, held to support local children with critical illnesses, exceeded fundraising expectations by over 30% and raised considerably more money than similar, longer-tenured events in other parts of the state, Make-A-Wish Idaho said in a Wednesday news release.

In total, 255 walkers registered for the event. Volunteer contributors such as the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department Honor Guard, which presented colors, and the Blazen Divaz, who performed dances for the crowd, added a sense of ceremony and splendor. A dozen local wish alumni families whose children have received wishes were also in attendance, including two wish kids who led the walkers in the Pledge of Allegiance during the opening ceremony.  

“I am awestruck and thankful to the North Idaho community," Make-A-Wish Idaho President and CEO Janie Best said in the news release. "When we opened the Post Falls office less than a year ago, I couldn’t imagine that the outpouring of support would be so massive and so sudden. While we still have plenty of outreach to do in the area to achieve our goal of granting the wish of every eligible child, it’s heartening to see the community get behind our mission so quickly. Thank you to everyone who participated, volunteered and donated.”

Fifteen local businesses and organizations sponsored the event and contributed to the success of the walk.

    Michelle John, regional manager for Make-A-Wish Idaho, makes an announcement June 1 at the inaugural Walk for Wishes North Idaho at Riverstone Park.