Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley faces a record number of wishes waiting to be granted as a result of the recent need to postpone all wishes that involve travel due to the coronavirus. (As 77% of wishes involve travel, 970 wishes nationwide and 22 wishes through Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley were immediately affected, with additional wishes being deferred every day.)
The challenging circumstances have, nonetheless, inspired Make-A-Wish to think creatively about how to fundraise during uncertain times. Thus Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley is set to present its first-ever virtual talent show, “Stars at Home,” which will bring together the stars in our community to show support for local children battling critical illnesses whose wishes were postponed due to COVID-19. All are invited to participate by submitting 60-second videos of their talents at hudson.wish.org/starsathome by July 24. A variety of videos will be selected and featured in the show, taking place at the same website, which will be live July 27 through Aug. 2.
During this time, the community will view featured acts and vote for their favorites with $5 donations—virtual “high fives” to support kids waiting for their wishes to be granted. Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley’s goal is to receive at least 2,900 “high fives,” one in honor of each of the local wishes granted in the Hudson Valley since the chapter’s inception in 1986. The video with the most virtual “high-fives” by 11:59 p.m. on Aug. 2 will receive a prize package that includes four Park Hopper tickets to Disney World, a MAW swag bag (quarantine package), a special video message from a MAW co-founder and, of course, bragging rights. Winners will be announced Aug. 3.
To learn more or submit a video by July 24, visit hudson.wish.org. To cast your votes, visit hudson.wish.org/starsathome beginning July 27.
