We work with Make-A-Wish Foundation
Why We Give
In our early days, W.A. Smith Financial Group gave to dozens of local organizations. While we believed in the good all of those charities were doing, we realized that, because we gave to so many, our donations weren’t really moving the needle. That changed in 2016. Our team decided to pick one organization to focus on, so our donations would have a significant impact on people in need.
Make-A-Wish and W.A. Smith Financial Group
Since 2017, we’ve focused our fundraising on helping the Make-A-Wish organization grant wishes for kids diagnosed with critical illnesses.
Through events like our charity golf outing and Lake Erie Crushers game, our clients help us raise money that helps grant wishes for kids in our area. In addition to financial donations, W.A. Smith gives time off to staff so they can volunteer with Make-A-Wish.
Gabriel’s Wish
Four-year-old Gabriel is fighting cystic fibrosis, a progressive disease that causes persistent lung infections and limits his ability to breathe. Despite the fight he endures each day, Gabriel continues to be happy, kind and imaginative. To further fuel his imagination, Gabriel wished to visit Walt Disney World to see the new Star Wars park.
Thomas’ Wish
Outgoing and funny, 11 year-old Thomas is fighting Spinal Muscular Dystrophy, a disease that damages the nerve cells and causes muscles to slowly weaken and waste away. Thomas’ wish was to meet the cast of his favorite TV show, giving him and his family the opportunity to take a break from his medical routines and go on a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Avery’s Wish
Despite dealing with a metabolic condition called glycogen storage disease, Avery continues to be a happy, active 4-year-old. Her heartfelt wish is to become the mermaid princess Ariel — including the fins! Avery’s wish came true when she was granted a makeover at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in Disney World.
Le’Marion’s Wish
Le’Marion is battling Langerhans cell histiocytosis, a rare disorder where the body makes too many dendritic cells for the immune system to handle. Even so, Le’Marion is an energetic 4-year-old who loves dinosaurs and superheroes. He wished to go on an Orlando adventure to Disney World, Universal Studios and Sea World — a vacation away from the stress and worry of his usual routine.
Silas’ Wish
Five-year-old Silas is battling gastroparesis, a condition in which the stomach is not able to empty itself in a normal fashion. However, judging by his smile and positive attitude, you’d never know of his illness! Silas adamantly wished for something his entire family would enjoy with him, and he decided to go with his three little sisters to Disney World.
Kaleb’s Wish
Kaleb is 13 years old and battling Friedreich’s ataxia, an inherited disorder that causes progressive damage to the nervous system. Kaleb and his older sister, Brooke, both have the same condition. Inspired by his love of swimming, Kaleb dreamed of going to an accessible beach with his family.
Willa’s Wish
Six-year-old Willa is fighting Hodgkin’s lymphoma, but that does not hold her back from living life to its fullest. She loves playing with her siblings and singing along to her favorite Disney movies. Most of all, she yearns to be just like Moana, swimming in the ocean and dancing at a luau with her family. Her wish was to swim with dolphins in Hawaii.
We’re incredibly grateful to our clients, sponsors, and partners for helping us make these wishes come true!
Events
Each year, we hold events to assist in raising money for our selected cause.
Charity Golf Outing
W.A. Smith Financial Group hosts its annual Charity Golf Outing in support of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. There are four easy ways to support:
- Play in the Outing
- Choose to be a Sponsor
- Donate a Raffle or Door Prize Item
- Simply Donate to the Cause at the Link Below
To sign up or if you have any questions, please contact Rachel Rice - Rachel@WASmithFinancial.com or 1-866-417-4156.
We thank you in advance for your continued support!
Lake Erie Crushers Game
The Lake Erie Crushers are a professional baseball team, part of the independent Frontier League. Every year, we invite clients to attend and provide tickets in exchange for a small donation.