Make-A-Wish Idaho to send local girl to Disney World
RATHDRUM — A local Make-A Wish Idaho recipient will have her dream come true in the new year.
Visalia, who was crowned Princess for a Day by the North Idaho State Fair this summer, will be headed to Disney World in January through the efforts of Tommy LaRiviere and LaRiviere, Inc. in Rathdrum.
"Tommy’s support, his company’s support, and the support of the entire community mean a lot to us and make the wish even more special,” said Erin, Visalia’s mother.
In the last year, LaRiviere has sponsored three wishes to go to Disney World and a wish to go to a concert through the Adopt-A-Wish program.
LaRiviere and his company have made it their goal to help Make-A-Wish Idaho grant one wish per month during 2026 and were honored at Make-A-Wish Idaho’s Serving Up Wishes gala and 40th anniversary celebration Sept. 17 when they were awarded the Community Support Award.
“As a man of faith, I truly believe that this organization does God’s work. There’s nothing more profound than to watch a group of people give a wish, give something to a parent that doesn’t maybe know where to turn all the time,” LaRiviere said of the honor. “This is a special moment for us, for my team, for my children and for my family.”
Make-A-Wish Idaho is one of 58 chapters across the United States and serves children throughout the state with offices in Boise, Post Falls and Pocatello and is dedicated to granting life-changing wishes to children with critical illnesses.
The Gem State’s agency has granted over 2,000 wishes since the chapter was founded.