Students making wishes come true

Posted Feb 9, 2012 By Jessica Cunha

EMC News - Students from Algonquin College are aiming to lasso funds for the Children's Wish Foundation with their country-themed Wild Wild Wish fundraiser.

The event, being hosted by a team of seven event management students, is part of the class's curriculum.

"This truly is a win-win for everyone," said Robert Anderson, one of the students hosting the event. "Especially the deserving kids that get their wishes granted."

Anderson and his group - which includes Jessica Schryer of Barrhaven, Devon Clarke from Orleans, Laura Butterworth, Kimberly Crowder, Courtney Hampel, and Katie Lochead, all from Nepean - are hosting a country-themed event at the Crazy Horse Stonegrill Steakhouse & Saloon in Kanata on March 8, starting at 7 p.m.

"Cherry Suede will provide the boot stompin' country music throughout the evening," said Anderson, adding there is an Ottawa Senators game that night.

We're hoping to get the hockey crowd back after the game too."

The team's goal is to raise $3,500 for the Children's Wish Foundation through a silent auction, country-themed competitions and a host of games. Tickets will not be sold for the event and there is no cover to enter.

The biggest draw will be a raffle for a Sea-Doo rental for a full weekend.

SETTING GOALS

"We have to set a goal and then our objective is to get there," said Anderson, who lives in Stittsville.

Over the past two years, the event management course has raised over $100,000 for the Wish Foundation, said Anderson.

"It's really emotional, it gets you connected," he said. "It goes towards granting these unfortunate kids a last wish."

The college has partnered with the children's charity for a number of years. Students must create and host an event and take care of all the details in between.

All funds raised through events hosted by the program's students are donated to the Wish Foundation

"Our job is to apply everything that we're learning...into an event," said Anderson. "Has it been tough? Yes absolutely. We're all learning new things."

The students are still looking for an emcee for the fundraiser, anyone interested can send an email to ande0410@algonquinlive.com.

For more information on the Wild Wild Wish event, visit wildwildwishevent.weebly.com/index.html.

jessica.cunha@metroland.com