In July 2008, 13-year-old Guam resident Jacob had the experience of a lifetime.  When interviewed by the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Guam, Jacob immediately said he wanted to watch and meet John Cena in a WWE match.  So, the Foundation began coordinating its 166th wish and Jacob began his 7-month wait.   Jacob soon found out that not only would he get to meet John Cena, but he would also join a number of other wish children as special guests at WrestleMania XXIV in Orlando, Florida.

This year’s WrestleMania Wish Weekend marked the largest wish-granting event ever for the World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (WWE), who hosted 50 wish families from all over the world, including Jacob and his family, for a fun-filled weekend full of surprises.  Not only did Jacob get to meet John Cena, his wrestling idol, but he and the other wish children were inducted into the WWE Make-A-Wish “Circle of Champions” where they were presented with plaques handed out by music and movie star Raven-Symoné and hip-hop superstar Snoop Dogg.

The weekend also included other activities for the wish families including a pizza party provided by the David Maus Foundation and hosted by WWE superstars John Cena, Chris Jericho, and Diva Mickie James at the Universal Orlando Resort where the wish children arrived in high style and made a red-carpet grand entrance surrounded by media.  The wish families also had the opportunity to spend the day at Universal Studios.

Founding Chairman Frank F. Blas and his son, Past Chairman Senator Frank Blas, Jr., recently made a donation to the Foundation on the behalf of thier mother and grandmother Beatrice F. Blas.

Mrs. Blas is a long-time teacher in the Guam Public School System. The donation of $25,000.00 was made to enhance the Guam chapter's mission of granting wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions.

We salute the Blas family for their generosity and their committment to the wish children in Guam and in the CNMI.

The Grand Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency Guam was host to the annual Make-A-Wish Gala Dinner “Strings for Wishes” held October 11, 2008.  This year featured the return of Guam’s own son, David Duenas and his San Francisco Guitar Quartet. 

The Hafa Adai Ukelele Club, Club president Jeff “JB” Borja and lead instructor Dennis Nakamoto also contributed to the evening’s entertainment, creating a unique and inspiring musical presentation to the over 400 guests in attendance.

Wish father Jermaine Guerrero shared his story of his 4 year-old daughter’s wish, to go to Disneyworld.  Jermaine touched the crowd with his experiences and the gift Make-A-Wish Foundation of Guam has brought to his family through the support of the community.

Thanks to all our wish families, friends, families, sponsors and corporate partners, this event was truly beautiful.

View photos of the 2008 Gala and Benefit Concert.

View the 2008 Gala Supporters and Volunteers.