By Judy O’Gorman Alvarez
The Make-A-Wish Foundation provides the wish no family wants to make, but everyone wants to grant.
The nonprofit organization helps fulfill the wishes of children with critical illnesses. The wishes may be as simple as a new guitar or a trip to Disneyworld or one that requires some contacts: to meet the cast of a favorite TV show or drive a submarine.
This month, Jersey Mike’s Subs, a New Jersey-based sandwich chain, is partnering with Make-a-Wish for its Month of Giving. More than 90 Jersey Mike’s Subs locations throughout the state are participating in the 11th annual campaign to fund local charities.
Since their partnership began in 2017, Jersey Mike’s Subs has raised over $1.1 million for Make-A-Wish New Jersey, helping to grant over 150 wishes to children in communities throughout the state.
On Jersey Mike’s “Day of Giving” Wednesday, March 31, the shops will give 100 percent of the day’s sales – not just its profit – to its partner charities. Every dollar from sales made from the Jersey Mike’s app, online or in stores, will be donated to Make-A-Wish New Jersey. Free delivery through the Jersey Mike’s app will also be offered on the Day of Giving.
“We’ve had an interesting year, to say the least,” said Michael Dominick, director of communications for Make-A-Wish New Jersey. The COVID-19 pandemic may have cost restaurants and eateries like Jersey Mike’s, but it has not impacted their generosity. Or the generosity of the community.
“We have a variety of people and organizations who support us in a variety of ways,” Dominick said. “Sometimes in the form of sporting events, 5Ks or corporate campaigns. From local organizations all the way to national ones, groups have pivoted to find ways to support us.”
Serving children in every municipality in the Garden State, Make-A-Wish New Jersey has granted over 11,000 wishes since its inception.
“And we have worked hand-in-glove with Jersey Mike’s,” said Dominick. “We’re local and there’s always a wish family not far away in every town and every county.”
For more information visit jerseymikes.com or nj.wish.org.
The article originally appeared in the March 25 – 31, 2021 print edition of The Two River Times.
