Walk for wishes

HOULTON, Maine — The ninth annual Walk-For-Wishes is set for Thursday, Oct. 11, at the Houlton Civic Center. Registration is set for 5 p.m. with the walk starting shortly after, according to Mary Beth Fitzpatrick, co-coordinator of the local event.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Maine grants the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses. They have fulfilled the dreams and wishes of hundreds of children including several from Aroostook County and a few from the greater Houlton community.
The Maine Chapter of the foundation began 20 years ago and to date has given more than 1,000 children throughout Maine a chance to live their dream. The cost of a wish is approximately $6,000.
Fitzpatrick is hoping for another successful walk in the community this year. She said that the Houlton Lodge of Elks, an annual supporter has already donated $500 to this year’s walk and she hopes that other businesses and organizations will also contribute or match that donation. Any pledge or donation is appreciated.
Registration forms are available at Daniel’s Florist in Market Square and Trendsetters located at 92 Bangor St. If you are unable to participate in the walk, but would like to contribute monetarily, please contact Fitzpatrick at 532-3142 or send your donation, made payable to Make-A-Wish Foundation of Maine to 3 Sugarloaf Street. One can also donate online at maine.wish.org.
Tickets will be sold at the walk for a pumpkin piñata made by Paula Dahlk of Mainely Piñatas, whose son, Leif was a wish recipient in 2009. She will also take orders for piñatas with a portion of the proceeds going to the Make-A-Wish foundation. Call 538-1769 to place an order.
There will also be tickets available for a handmade tulip quilt made by the late Barbara Edwards, a local teacher. Mrs. Edwards daughters have donated the quilt in her memory and it will be drawn in the spring of 2013. Tickets are $1 each or 6 tickets for $5.
Those participating in the Walk will receive a Make-A-Wish t-shirt at the event.    Marilyn Carey, Karen King, Lori Tash and Tonya Fitzpatrick, local wish grantors will assist Fitzpatrick with the walk at Community Park.