It was an impressive sight in East Hartford on Sunday morning as a convoy of five-hundred trucks lined up at Rentschler Field for Make-A-Wish’s annual “Wishes on Wheels,” an event the organization plans and anticipates for months. In its 19th year, it has raised over $1 million for Make-A-Wish Connecticut.
”The whole convoy, it’s so moving to see them all out here with their families, interacting with our wish families and our staff and supporting our mission,” said Nicole Miles, the organization’s Community Relations Manager.
Twelve-year-old Nicky Eklund, a Make-A-Wish Kid, had a front seat view of the 500-strong convoy from a double-decker.
”It’s pretty amazing,” Eklund said. “I love it. Getting to be part of make-a-wish after the wish and helping give back.”
A few thousand people watched as the convoy hit the road, including several of Connecticut’s Wish Families.
”We actually have 40 Wish Families here today, some who have had their wish and some who haven’t had their wish yet, and it’s a way for them to come together and support the fundraising efforts of the wishes on wheels community,” said Miles.
The organization, which grants wishes for children battling critical illnesses, said the families look forward to “Wishes on Wheels. Many of the kids ride in the same trucks year after year, building lasting relationships with the drivers.
Local
”It is bigger and better every year,” said Miles. “I think our team every year says I don’t think they could do any better and it’s bigger the next year.”
