STATE COLLEGE — Pixie Dust Wishes recently awarded two more wishes from their non-profit organization whose mission is to grant Disney wishes to children with special needs and disabilities. Both wish recipients are Centre County residents.
AJ Lewis was awarded his wish in December and recently experienced his wish trip to Disney World in March. His parents stated that every moment was filled with joy. He especially loved meeting the characters, riding Dumbo, following the ducks in the parks, and his Mickey bubble maker.
Pixie Dust Wishes coordinated all travel and accessibility needs for AJ as well as all wish recipients to provide the respite and retreat that is part of their mission to make each wish trip truly magical.
The second wish recipient was awarded his wish in April at Seko MedTec, a sponsor of Pixie Dust Wishes. Brayden Brooks’ wish presentation was a surprise and his mom and grandparents were there to see his excitement and shock that he was chosen! Brayden brought along his ESA kitten, Max, and he can’t wait to visit Disney later this year.
Jaimie Miller, Executive Director of Pixie Dust Wishes, invites all Centre County residents to visit their website at www.pixiedustwishes.org to meet all of their wish recipients and learn a little more about the magic they create in the community.
Pixie Dust Wishes is a non-profit organization that grants Disney wishes to individuals with disabilities and their families. The organization started in State College in January 2017 by Miller and serves all of Pennsylvania. Since then, the organization has awarded 31 wishes.
Miller’s own daughter, Emma, who has Down syndrome, inspired her to start Pixie Dust Wishes. Miller is an advocate for individuals with disabilities and wanted to do something to give back to the community. Through fundraisers, granting wishes, and gathering when we can, the volunteers and families have formed their own Pixie Dust Wishes family.
Miller chose Disney World as the focal point of her organization because of Emma’s love for Disney World and Disney’s deep understanding of the disability community. They offer modifications such as the disability access pass and special seating for parades and do their best to “roll out the red carpet” for children and individuals with disabilities, according to Miller. And above all else, they treat those with disabilities with love and respect.
Pixie Dust Wishes relies on donations to fund wishes. The non-profit has two annual large-scale fundraisers. Halloween in Neverland, a family event that is held in State College, and Centre Gives which is a virtual fundraiser each May. These events raise money through corporate sponsorships, silent auctions, raffles, and personal donations.
Pixie Dust Wishes will be participating in Centre Gives on May 6 and May 7 where all donations submitted online at www.centregives.org/organizations/161-pixie-dust-wishes will help the organization be eligible to win additional funds from the stretch pool of funds from Centre Foundation.
