The Amazing Race For Children’s Wishes raised almost $100,000 as 10 bike teams and five electric boat teams completed challenges during the race on Sunday Oct. 27. The event, in its eleventh year, has raised over one million dollars in total for Make-A-Wish San Diego. Along with the races, a silent and live auction were held at the Coronado Cays Yacht Club, and the two Wish Kids and their families gave heartfelt and emotional speeches to the crowd. Coronado Middle School science teacher, Mrs. Kristen Lively, along with her husband Josh and their son Joshy shared their difficult journey navigating Joshy’s neuroblastoma diagnosis, thanking their family, friends and supporters like the Make-A-Wish foundation, for helping them through.
100 riders arrived at the Coronado Cays Yacht Club dressed in costumes for the Halloween weekend fundraiser. From toucans to purple tutus the participants showed their creativity and their grit as they competed for bragging rights during a bike competition that included challenges along the way. Challenges ranged from kayaking and soccer to throwing marshmallows for your partner to catch in their mouth; needless to say, fun was had by all.
While the bike teams were racing around the Coronado Cays, the electric boat teams were having fun for a good cause on the water. Boats were decorated and teams donned costumes while they sailed through the Cays Canals. Amps Aweigh, captained by Laurie McCormick, won for best costume.
After the races were complete, everyone gathered back at Coronado Cays Yacht Club greeted with entertainment provided by In Midlife Crisis, while participants enjoyed lunch, a silent and live auction and the remarks from the Wish families and Make a Wish Foundation. The winners were also announced with categories ranging from most money raised to best costume. The CHS Islanders, co-captained by Rylie Brenden and Reagan Yeager, won for the most money raised, exceeding $10,000 in donations. Other bike team winners for the highest donations were Park Life (2nd place) and Salas Fireballs (3rd place). Winners of the most money raised for the electric boat event was Hollipop (1st prize), C-Silk (2nd place) and Amps Aweigh (3rd place).
Net proceeds from this event will be donated to Make-A-Wish® San Diego, a non-profit organization that grants wishes to children with critical illnesses. Wishes can give kids the strength they need to fight harder. For children who are battling a critical illness, a wish can give them and their families a chance to believe that anything is possible. Doctors use wishes as part of the treatment plans in some cases and research has shown that wishes have proven physical and emotional benefits that may give children with critical illnesses a higher chance of survival.
