Back to News & Announcements
October 2nd, 2024

Walk for Wishes Surpasses Expectations! Raises $60,000 for Make-A-Wish!   

The Make-A-Wish Rio Grande Valley’s 2nd Annual Walk for Wishes on September 7, 2024, was a tremendous success! In partnership with Rhodes, this 5K event raised funds to make dreams...

The Make-A-Wish Rio Grande Valley’s 2nd Annual Walk for Wishes on September 7, 2024, was a tremendous success! In partnership with Rhodes, this 5K event raised funds to make dreams come true for children facing critical illnesses in the Rio Grande Valley. Thanks to the overwhelming support from the community, we surpassed expectations and raised nearly $60,000!  

The atmosphere buzzed with excitement and a strong sense of purpose as 159 participants in the 5K run and walk gathered to support children needing life-changing wishes.  

Participants at Make-A-Wish Rio Grande Valley’s 2nd Annual Walk for Wishes, Tres Lagos, McAllen, TX

Wish Granted   

One of the most memorable moments of the day was a special wish-granting ceremony for Sophia, a courageous young girl whose wish was to visit Disney World. Seeing her joy and excitement as her dream came true added a beautiful touch of inspiration to an already meaningful day.  

Sophia and family at Make-A-Wish Rio Grande Valley’s 2nd Annual Walk for Wishes

And the Winner Is…   

It was a perfect, cool day for the 5K, enjoyed by participants of all ages. While the event wasn’t a race, we must mention Luis Escalera, who took home first place, finishing the course in an impressive 17 minutes and 5 seconds. Families with kids in strollers, children running the course, and even older adults finishing with fantastic times. Everyone showed up to support this significant cause.  

Luis Escalera at Make-A-Wish Rio Grande Valley’s 2nd Annual Walk for Wishes

Thank You to All Our Volunteers   

We extend our deepest gratitude to all our incredible volunteers, especially the team from McAllen Border Patrol Station Post 1924. Their dedication and commitment were key in making the event run smoothly. We couldn’t have done it without you!  

McAllen Border Patrol Station Post 1924
Volunteers at Make-A-Wish Rio Grande Valley’s 2nd Annual Walk for Wishes

Our Sponsors Went the Extra Mile 

A huge thank you goes to our generous sponsors, whose contributions made this event possible:  

Wish Sponsors:

  • Earl & Associates  
  • Matt’s Building Materials  
  • PEGA JPS Utilities, LLC    
  • San Jacinto Title Services

Hope Sponsors:  

  • Foremost Paving, Inc.  
  • Fast Signs  
  • Texas Wood Supply  
  • Jones, Galligan, Key & Lozano, L.L.P.  

Joy Sponsors:  

  • Illuminations  
  • JNS Construction Management  
  • L&W Supply  
  • Pederson Construction Company, Inc.  
  • Stonewood Home Lending  
  • McGriff  
  • Zitro Electric  

Courage Sponsors:  

  • McAllen EDC  
  • Frontera Customs Broker  
  • Lozcon Masonry  
  • Rio Grande Steel  

Strength Sponsors:  

  • Central Materials  
  • Melden & Hunt, Inc.  
  • Havener Orthodontics  
  • Yoga House  
  • Clark Chevrolet  
  • Sherwin Williams  
  • Enrique Galvan Fencing  
  • Nina & Tom Torkelson  
  • Tony & Linda Aguirre  

Here’s to 2025 and Beyond!  

The funds raised will have a tremendous impact, helping grant more life-changing wishes for children in the Rio Grande Valley. Thank you to everyone who took part, donated, and supported this meaningful cause. Your generosity is making dreams come true!  

We’re already looking forward to next year’s Walk for Wishes, and we can’t wait to see even more participants join in the fun and fundraising. For more details, stay connected by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to stay updated on the Make-A-Wish Rio Grande Valley’s 3rd Annual Walk for Wishes in 2025! 

Participants at Make-A-Wish Rio Grande Valley’s 2nd Annual Walk for Wishes