#United States #New Orleans #NFL #Make-A-Wish #Fanatics

Make-A-Wish Unveils Unforgettable Experience for Families

In a heartwarming event, Make-A-Wish will host 19 families for an extraordinary experience coinciding with Super Bowl LIX. With the support of partners including Fanatics and the National Football League (NFL), these families will embark on a series of unforgettable activities designed to bring joy and create cherished memories. This initiative celebrates 45 years of Make-A-Wish’s commitment to granting meaningful wishes to children facing critical illnesses.

The event kicks off on Wednesday, February 5, and culminates in the much-anticipated Super Bowl on February 9, where these families will witness the thrilling clash between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs in the iconic Caesars Superdome. Families are making their way from nine different states to join in this once-in-a-lifetime journey in New Orleans.

Exciting Itinerary

The itinerary is packed with engaging activities:

• - Welcome Party at Dave & Buster's (Feb 5): Families will gather for a festive welcome party featuring exciting trading card activities facilitated by Fanatics, where the kids will delight in exclusive sports memorabilia.
• - Caesars Superdome Tour and NFL Honors (Feb 6): A special behind-the-scenes tour of the renowned Caesars Superdome awaits the families, followed by an enchanting evening at the NFL Honors ceremony. The wish kids will experience the glamour of walking the red carpet, feeling like true celebrities.
• - Shopping Surprise at Locker Room by Lids (Feb 7): Families will indulge in a unique shopping experience courtesy of Fanatics, which will provide each child with $250 to spend on exclusive Super Bowl merchandise. They will also have time to showcase their football skills at the Super Bowl Experience organized by the NFL.
• - Super Bowl Host Committee Parade (Feb 8): Families can enjoy the very first Super Bowl Host Committee Parade through the vibrant French Quarter, joined by an array of celebrities and sports stars.
• - Super Bowl LIX Game Day (Feb 9): The experience culminates as the wish kids and their families take their seats in the stadium to cheer on their respective teams, sharing in the thrill and excitement of the game.

A Celebration of Hope

Leslie Motter, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish America, expressed the profound impact of the event, stating, "Nothing could be more inspiring than watching our kids and their families connect and create cherished memories at such an iconic event. These families have faced unimaginable challenges, and we are honored to provide them with an experience they’ll never forget thanks to our partners, like NFL, Fanatics, and more."

This marks the second year of Fanatics' partnership with Make-A-Wish. Since the collaboration began in 2023, over 500 sports-related wishes have been granted, with a commitment to further expand their collective impact.

The relationship between the NFL and Make-A-Wish dates back to the organization's inception in 1980. The very first wish fulfilled was for a young boy named John Paul Serna, who attended Super Bowl XVI in 1982. Over the past 43 years, more than 300 wishes have been granted at the Super Bowl, along with numerous others facilitated through the 32 NFL teams and players.

For those interested in supporting Make-A-Wish or getting involved, more information can be found at wish.org.

About Make-A-Wish

Make-A-Wish is dedicated to creating life-changing experiences for children battling critical illnesses. Established in Phoenix, Arizona, the organization is a trusted nonprofit operating in all 50 states within the U.S. Through the generous support of donors and volunteers, Make-A-Wish has granted over 585,000 wishes worldwide, fostering hope and joy for many children and their families during difficult times. Discover more at wish.org.