April 4, 2008: Wish Granter Training
Ten new volunteer recruits were trained as wish granters in the 3rd cycle of Wish Granting: 101.  These volunteers will now be able to assist our staff in the process of granting wishes.  The class included Tanya Bejado, Jessica Leon Guerrero, Faye Varias, Vanessa Salas, Mary Fejeran, Meghan Warren, Chelsea Riedy, David Stone, Amadeus Romero and Rain Romero.

The next Wish Granter training is tentatively scheduled for July 15, 2008. 

New Clothing Line Supports Make-A-Wish
Startup local clothing company Baba Daggan has named the Guam chapter as the beneficiary of two car washes held March 30 and April 5, 2008.  

March 22, 2008: Guam Insurance Adjusters Innagural 5K
The Guam Insurance Adjusters Employees Association (GIA-EA) once again supported the Guam chapter.  Already regular contributors through their annual golf tournament, the GIA-EA went one step further and held an early morning 5K run on Easter eve.  Over 600 runners gathered on a gorgeous Saturday morning at Ypao Beach Park in support of the Foundation.  Leading the way for the men was Christopher Magtoto.  Lisa Mason topped the women's field.  Participants were treated to refreshments, fresh fruit and some wonderful raffle prizes.

Sincere thanks go out to Keith Yoo and Hanna Cruz of GIA and to the GIA General Manager, Ricardo McQuattie.

December 6, 2007: Japan Airlines Golf Invitational
Leo Palace Resort was the site of the 27th annual Japan Airlines Golf Tournament.  The Nicklaus course hosted over 80 golfers and offered a challenging yet enjoyable morning of golf.  Make-A-Wish and St. Dominic’s Senior Care Center were the beneficiaries of this wonderful tournament.

Location: PIC Hotel Saipan
The civic group Off the Beaten Path hosted a holiday kickoff wine-tasting and auction to benefit Make-A-Wish at Charlie’s in the PIC Saipan.  Guests were treated to an evening of music, food and wine for the benefit of the Foundation. In attendance were wish kids Rakina and Rica, who shared their experiences with the audience.

November 30, 2007: Hyatt Regency Guam Tree Lighting
The Hyatt Regency Guam held a ceremonial Christmas Tree lighting ceremony on November 30th. As is tradition, Make-A-Wish was invited to join the festivities. First Lady Joanne Camacho assisted one of our wish children, Geneva, in having the honor of lighting the 30 foot tree.

November 21, 2007: Hilton Guam Resort and Spa Train Launch
The Hilton Guam Resort and Spa kicked off the Holiday season in grand fashion, by unveiling their Holiday Express Train.  General Manager Manfred Pieper named Make-A-Wish as a beneficiary of funds raised through the sponsorship of the train.  A generous donation was made to support the mission of the Foundation.

In addition to the donation, Make-A-Wish children Geneva and Michelle were invited to launch the train in a ceremonial whistle blowing ceremony.

Throughout the holidays, the names of all wish children whose wishes are pending will be displayed in the lobby with the theme “A Sea of Wishes”.  Children’s names and wishes were printed on pictures of shells and placed throughout the lobby in an effort to raise awareness and funds for the Foundation.

November 3-4, 2007: Make-A-Wish Gala Dinner and Benefit Concert

The Grand Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency Guam was host to the annual Make-A-Wish Gala Dinner and Benefit Concert held November 3-4, 2007.  This year featured the return of world-renowned Jazz musician Sadao Watanabe and his band, who treated the 400 guests to an evening of musical delights.

The home-grown St. Francis Children’s Choir stole the show with their powerful singing and lively choreography.  Directed by Cathy Calvo-Cruz, the 50-member choir who had never played before with Sadao wowed the crowd with their vocal talents.

On Sunday, local music legend Patrick Palomo, along with the Fried Bananas opened up for Sadao during the benefit concert, much to the delight of the crowd.

View Photos from the Gala Dinner.