Make-A-Wish® New Jersey is excited to announce the 2025 Walk & Roll For Wishes, a community-wide celebration and fundraising event set to take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at American Dream in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Presented by Gusto Grill and Pop’s Coffee, this family-friendly event takes place during World Wish Month, commemorating the anniversary of the founding of Make-A-Wish in 1980.
Hundreds of supporters will gather for an inspirational celebration and fundraising effort to help create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses in New Jersey. Interested participants can register for free at site.wish.org/walkandroll25
Guests will enjoy a family-friendly event powered by wish families, volunteers, companies, schools, donors and friends. The event will include a fun and interactive path inside the unique destination, food, entertainment and an inspiring program filled with stories of wishes come true. At the same time, the Walk & Roll For Wishes event will showcase the strong community investment of local businesses, organizations and community members who continue to provide the necessary resources to bring the mission of Make-A-Wish to life.
World Wish Month is a global celebration inspired by Chris Greicius, a seven-year-old battling leukemia who wanted to become a police officer. On April 29th, 1980, members of law enforcement, including U.S. Customs agents and the Department of Public Safety, came together to create a life-changing experience for him, including a full police uniform, tours in a squad car and even a ride in a helicopter. Those involved in that special day, inspired by the impact they had on Chris, vowed to do more and a global movement was born. Make-A-Wish commemorates their beginnings during World Wish Month, a monthlong celebration each April when they invite the entire world to join their mission.
For over four decades, Make-A-Wish has granted over 585,000 wishes across the United States and around the world. Make-A-Wish New Jersey has granted over 12,500 wishes for children with critical illnesses throughout the Garden State since 1983. In the fight against a critical illness, a wish serves as a catalyst for renewed strength and encouragement for every child and family on their journey. A wish helps kids look past their limitations, families overcome anxiety and entire communities experience joy.
On April 26th, American Dream, the largest retail, dining, and entertainment destination in the Northeast, will host Make-A-Wish New Jersey’s annual Walk & Roll For Wishes. To become part of the life-changing power of a wish, sign-up as an individual, start a team or become an event sponsor of the 2025 Walk & Roll For Wishes. Your support will help Make-A-Wish New Jersey transform lives, one wish at a time. Visit site.wish.org/walkandroll25 today.