students
Make a Wish Game Day
The first Make-A-Wish Game day was held on September 30,
1995. It began when Make-A-Wish volunteer Dana Spiewak proposed the
idea as a philanthropy project for the Ambassadors. Each year the event
allows approximately 100 eastern Iowa children and their families to
experience traditional Hawkeye football day.
 S.T.A.T.
Ambassadors work with the Alumni Association, UI Athletic Department
and Make-A-Wish Foundation. Planning begins in early spring with a letter
writing campaign to local businesses asking them to support the event
by donating items such as food, transportation, seating, t-shirts and
other items that will make the day memorable for the Wish children.
 The
day's events begin with a pre-game tailgate at the UI Recreation Building.
Following the tailgate the children attend the Iowa football game and
a post game ice-cream social with notable Iowa figures such as football
players, coaching staff, cheerleaders and Herky. The event is not open
to the general public but media representatives are invited to attend
all aspects of the event.
Game day has been recognized as Program of the Year by
the District V Association of Student Advancement Programs (ASAP), which
is a program for the Council for Advancement and Support of Education
(CASE), that seeks to involve students in alumni relations, philanthropy
and community.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation is a national, non-profit organization
dedicated to providing activities for terminally and severely ill children
and their families.
 
|
