Patricia Volonakis Davis
Make-A-Wish
Where would we be without organizations like Make-A-Wish? This foundation grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses. Wishes can be anything from a trip to a dreamed-of location, to a coveted item, (such as a computer or bicycle) or to the meeting of a celebrity. Please visit the Make-A-Wish website to learn more about them and if you can, volunteer or make a contribution.
photo by Earlette on Flickr.com
The Story of Anna Vissi and Make-A-Wish Greece
Anna Vissi is a famous Greek pop singer, sometimes called "the Greek Madonna, " as famous for her glitzy stage persona, lovely looks and romances, as she is for her singing. But there's another gentler side to Anna that very few know. That she kept it on the quiet says more about her than any else you'll ever read. Anna was approached by Make-A-Wish Greece on behalf of a young fan with a life-threatening disease whose one wish was to meet Anna. Not only did Anna agree to meet the young girl, she invited her to her concert, got her special seats and bought her a trendy outfit to wear for the special occasion. At the concert, Anna introduced her young fan as "a very special friend."
(I know this story to be true because it was told to me by one of the founders of Make-A-Wish Greece, Pam Bourazani.) I've always enjoyed Anna's music, but now when I hear it , something special has been added to it for me.
A Note About
Make-A-Wish Donations
When Joan Maragoudakis and I opened Serafim Books in Greece, one of the things we tried to do was contribute in various ways to any groups we believed worthy of our donations. Make-A-Wish Greece topped that list. Joan continued that tradition, when I married my American husband, Pete. Her wedding gift to us was a contribution in our names to the Greece affiliate.
Donations to
Make-A-Wish in the names of others make wonderful, thoughtful gifts.
