Disneyland Hosts Beautiful Dedication Ceremony in Honor of Make-A-Wish
Disneyland recently held a special ceremony in honor of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Three windows were dedicated to the nonprofit, marking a memorable first at the Happiest Place on Earth.
Disney and Make-A-Wish
Disneyland has never done a dedication window for a nonprofit before, so this was an extra special occasion. Make-A-Wish has been partnering with The Walt Disney Company for over 40 years.
Photo: Disneyland
Together, they’ve helped make almost 150,000 wishes come true for children with critical illnesses. Disney is Make-A-Wish’s largest granter, aiming to help children believe anything is possible, rallying them to fight and endure.
3 Main Street, U.S.A. Windows
Last week, I shared a behind-the-scenes look at the window-making process via a video from Disney. Here’s a recap of the ceremony that took place on April 29, World Wish Day!
Photo: Disneyland
Make-A-Wish Dedication Ceremony
The ceremony was held inside Disneyland. The Park holds special meaning when it comes to Make-A-Wish.
Disney Parks Blog shares that the Disneyland Resort was involved in the first wish ever granted. Josh D’Amaro is the Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products and is also a board member for Make-A-Wish America.
Photo: Disneyland
He shares, “We know the power of the Disney brand when it comes to evoking positive emotions, and we take great pride in the fact that we have granted 150,000 wishes with Make-A-Wish since 1981.”
World Wish Day is the anniversary of the wish that inspired Make-A-Wish. In honor of the momentous occasion, Disneyland dedicated 3 windows to the nonprofit on the iconic Main Street, U.S.A.
Photo: Disneyland
The center window is devoted to Make-A-Wish and the children affected by the organization. Its two side windows honor some very special people.
The first is dedicated to Chris Greicius, whose wish inspired the company’s creation. The second pays tribute to Frank “Bopsy” Salazar, whose wish was the first to be granted by Make-A-Wish, and also Disney’s first wish.
Photo: Disneyland
Speakers at the ceremony included Disneyland President Ken Potrock, Make-A-Wish America President and CEO Leslie Motter and Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, Josh D’Amaro.
Also in attendance were six children on their wish visits to the Park, and Greicius and Salazar’s moms. Their sons’ stories have impacted people all across the globe.
Photo: Disneyland
The windows are located above the Wish Lounge. This spot is reserved for wish kids and their families upon their visit to the Happiest Place on Earth.
What a beautiful ceremony honoring an impactful company. We can’t think of a more well-deserving recipient of Disneyland’s long-standing tradition than the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
