You couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day for the third annual Race to Neverland event at Tudek Park on Aug. 10. The crowd was large, and many were in Disney costumes to walk, run or cheer on the participants and share a beautiful morning with their families.
The event was held for the third time to raise money for the Pixie Dust Wishes organization which grants Disney trips to children with special needs. The most exciting moment was when Jaimie Miller, Pixie Dust Wishes president and executive director, announced the 12th recipient of the trip.
Nathan Jewell is the child selected for the next trip to Disney World with his family. Nathan was nominated by his special education teacher, Jeffrey Rager, from Bellefonte Middle School. Nathan has Down syndrome and is 13 years old. His parents are Jen and Mike Jewell and Archer is his brother.
Miller was assisted in presenting the award by her daughter, Emma Miller, who also has Down syndrome. Emma is the inspiration for the formation of the Pixie Dust Wishes Foundation by Miller after her family enjoyed the Disney experience.
For this year’s Race to Neverland, Emma dressed as Jessie from the movie ‘Toy Story.’ Nathan, the award recipient, was dressed as Buzz Lightyear from ‘Toy Story.’
Centre County Commissioners Michael Pipe and Mark Higgins and U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson, R-Howard Township, attended the award ceremony, as well as state Rep Kerry Benninghoff, R-Bellefonte, who shared a few remarks for the occasion.
“When people complain about getting cut off in traffic or other petty things, they should come out and see the love and support here today,” said Benninghoff. “It would help them appreciate what really matters. I say ‘welcome’ to the new family that is receiving their trip today. It really is a family — these many volunteers and all who advocate for children with disabilities and support them.”
Benninghoff is a donor in memory of his daughter, Ryleigh, who would have been 15-years-old this year.
“Those of you, who dress in these costumes, have courage,’ he said. ‘This is a great day to be kind, be happy with small things. The kids teach us. Bring the happy to Happy Valley with love to share.”
“I couldn’t be prouder than I am of the 11 wishes granted and now a 12th here today,” Jamie Miller said as she thanked the legislators in attendance and her board members. She also recognized her photographer, Georgianna DeCarmine, for covering the event.
For more information about Pixie Dust Wishes, go to pixiedustwishes.org to find out how to get more involved, volunteer and/or donate.
The winners in the race on Saturday were:
• Top male — Henry Ballard, of State College, 17 years old;
• Top female — Kadia Stover, of Hershey, 14 years old;
• Male in the 12 and under — Jonathan Gasper, of Bellefonte;
• Female 12 and under — Cambria Rice, of State College;
• Male 13-17 — Garrison Famiglio, of State College;
• Female 13-17 — Annabell A;
• Male 18-30 — Josh Eckendorf, of Fairview;
• Female 18-30 — Jenna Altomare, of Pennsylvania Furnace;
• Male 31–40 — Roman Rogalla, of Sandy Ridge;
• Female 31-40 — Dawn Lorenz, of State College;
• Male 41-50 — Steve Schall, no address given;
• Female 41-50 — Kellie Stover, of Hershey;
• Male 51-60 — David Rice, of Indian Trail, N.C.;
• Female 51-60 — Lynda Federinko, of Spring Mills;
• Male 61–70 — Gary Cattell, of Port Matilda;
• Female 61-70 — Joanne Williams, no address given; and
• Male 71 and over — Joe Johnston, of Naples, Fla.
