Make-A-Wish.
Together, Make-A-Wish and its community partners create life-changing experiences for children with critical illnesses. While many wishes involve travel outside of San Diego, others like backyard and bedroom makeovers may require expertise in a specific trade to make them possible. In 2013, Make-A-Wish San Diego formed a partnership with the Associated General Contractors (AGC), San Diego Chapter that would prove to be a game changer for local wish kids. Through this partnership, the AGC engages a network of construction industry leaders on its AGC Build & Serve Charitable Alliance to advise, facilitate, and recruit contractors to grant local wishes that necessitate such work.
It all began a few years ago when Oliver wished to have a safe place to play while recovering from his chemotherapy treatments; he had spent the previous months in the hospital, unable to play in public parks or playgrounds. When AGC San Diego shared his wish request with its members, Angus Asphalt, Inc. answered the call- they spearheaded the construction and design and recruited Vulcan Materials and Western Concrete Pumping, Inc. to build a concrete bike track to encircle his new play structure.
Over the years, many wishes involving minor construction have been granted thanks to AGC members. For Jeuz’s wish to have a new playground, three companies collaborated to make his dream a reality: QSB Construction, Inc., Quality Reinforcing, Inc., and Western Concrete Pumping. Tanika’s wish to have a backyard full of adventure, complete with a jungle-themed foam pit was made possible thanks to Prava Construction. Local company Hensel Phelps first worked with Make-A-Wish when they built a Doctor Who TARDIS “time machine” as part of Joseph’s backyard makeover wish. Soon after, they designed and built therapy stairs for wish kids, Charis and Kailyn. Hensel Phelps was even honored with the AGC of America’s national 2017 AGC in the Community Award after collaborating with BrightView Landscape, Bergelectric, and Gerdau Reinforcing Steel to grant Leah’s wish to have a specialized therapy spa that necessitated a wheelchair lift.
This year, the AGC took on its biggest project yet… the granting of Rocco’s wish to have a backyard skate park! Erickson-Hall Construction Co. oversaw the build-out of the concrete skate park and recruited additional support from Front Rock and Santec. A few months later, Leona wished for a pirate ship playhouse and AGC rose to the challenge once again by recruiting Sierra Pacific West, Inc. who graded the space and Brewer Crane & Rigging who provided a 100-ton crane to safely place the 3,000 lb. playhouse in her backyard. And most recently, Gloria’s wish to have a relaxing and accessible space in her yard was enhanced thanks to I.E. Pacific, Inc., who donated a specialized wheelchair accessible table.
Wishes come in all shapes and sizes, so having the support of community partners like AGC is what enables Make-A-Wish San Diego to grant every child’s wish without delay. If you or your company would like to help grant a wish, please contact Make-A-Wish San Diego at www.sandiego.wish.org or (858) 707-9474.
