Seahawks
Wishes
Fall 2022
FULL CIRCLE—one Seattle Seahawks employee offers this reflection
My journey to the Seahawks started in Afghanistan. Injured in the line of duty in, I was in the hospital when a nonprofit organization visited me. Being cared for by someone whose sole intention is to help planted a seed.
After leaving the military, I worked as a security guard for the Seahawks when a job opened in their Community Relations department. The role supported the military, first responders and…Make-A-Wish. Time to water that seed.
The Seahawks have partnered with Make-A-Wish for 34 years and, this summer, it was my turn to roll out the red carpet for seven kids who wished to meet their favorite players. It was our first in-person wish since pre-Covid, so it was special.
We immersed these children and their families in a four-day Seahawks experience. From a VIP tour of Lumen Field, which included the Seahawks dancers and Blitz, to the kids receiving custom jerseys in the Visitor’s locker room, to a grand entry onto the field through the player’s tunnel, to a mock press conference complete with mock-contracts signed by Coach Pete Carroll, to a sidelines experience on game day.
” Working on these wishes made me appreciate where I am, what I have and what I can do for others.. “
Nino and Wish Kid Rickey
I will never forget when wish kid, Rickey, came out of the player’s tunnel using his walking crutches, smiling ear to ear. His mom teared up, saying, “He just started physical therapy and his goal was to walk out of that tunnel.” I realized I was a part of a bigger picture.
A wish is more than a sick kid getting to enjoy a day of cool things (or, in this case, four days). Paying it forward touches the soul. You get to make a wish kid feel like a star. You get to take things off mom and dad’s plates. You get to impact a family’s life. By the end, that is what we felt like: one big family.
Our culture at the Seahawks is to WIN. I am already thinking, how can I raise the bar for wish kids next year?
— Nino Gray, Community Engagement Manager, Seattle Seahawks
Click through these photos to see this year’s Seahawks wish kiddos getting an exclusive behind the scenes tour of Lumen Field in Seattle!
Special thanks to Rod Mar Photography and Seahawks for these memorable photos.
More inspiring stories from this issue4
Passing the Torch
There are many things parents teach their children, like remember to “Say please and thank you,” and “Wash your hands.” But how many parents talk to their kids about paying it forward? About non-profits. Their missions. And ways to get involved.
Peter and Erin Krawiec are doing just that by passing the torch of “helping others” to their children and leading by example.
They first learned about Make-A-Wish after their friend’s daughter received a wish during her fight with cancer. They saw the power of a wish first-hand, filling their friends’ lives with hope.
That experience sparked a flame. The Krawiec’s attended the chapter’s signature fundraiser–Wish Night Gala & Auction — and vowed to get more involved. Since then, the two have assumed leadership positions with the chapter (Peter is on the Board and Erin is a member of the Corporate Council), hosted tables at Wish Night and procured one-of-a-kind auction items. Erin has also added wish-granting volunteer to her resume and is excited to work on her first wish.
“Involving our kids was the natural next step,” said Erin. “They were already familiar with Make-A-Wish after witnessing our friend’s experience and even attended the wish party.”
“Our kids are healthy. They have great resources available to them. They need to know that they can make a difference. Make-A-Wish is a great non-profit to get involved in because it resonates with kids. It’s easy for them to get involved.”
–Erin Krawiec
In 2016, their daughter Lexi hosted a bake sale to benefit Make-A-Wish. A few years later, her younger brother, Nick, did the same. All three kids have:
- Presented Make-A-Wish to their school classmates,
- Started their own online fundraiser to benefit Make-A-Wish, asking friends to donate in lieu of birthday gifts
- Participated in the “Ribbons & Bows” program, shopping for items to put in backpacks for kids on travel wishes (Shopping for a good cause? They loved it!)
- Attended Make-A-Wish events.
When asked why passing the torch of philanthropy is important, Erin said, “Our kids are healthy. They have great resources available to them. They need to know that they can make a difference. Make-A-Wish is a great non-profit to get involved in because it resonates with kids. It’s easy for them to get involved.”
Click here to learn how your kids can get involved in supporting Make-A-Wish. We shine brighter, together.
Happiness Hour — It’s About Time
You’ve heard it before. It’s Happy Hour somewhere. And what is better than one happy hour? How about two!
Our Spokane and Anchorage offices each hosted a HAPPINESS HOUR in early October, putting a twist of “good cheer” into a philanthropic evening with friends. Guests enjoyed local brew while bidding on auction items, participating in a raffle and hearing from wish families whose lives are forever changed by a wish.
Change. It happens when people come together for good. And drinking for a good cause? It’s about time. As the Partridge Family would say (or sing), “Come on Get Happy!”
Why it’s Buzzworthy
The Pacific Northwest is known for its beauty and, also, its obsession with coffee. With a coffee shop nearly everywhere you look, it’s easy to find one that suits your taste. And what’s better than good coffee? Perhaps a company that encourages employees to do good in their community.
Doing good begets feeling good. And Dutch Bros Coffee is creating a culture where GOOD—from custom flavors to smiling service to philanthropy—is standard.
“No matter if it’s your first time meeting them, the broistas make you feel like a regular, like you’re friends,” said Christy Hazen, a local from Olympia. These broistas not only make their customers smile, but wish kids, too.
“Make-A-Wish is a truly incredible organization that makes a massive difference,” said Katie Hutchinson, VP of social impact at Dutch Bros. “Dutch Bros is proud to be a partner of Make-A-Wish and support their mission in creating life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.”
Here’s a BUZZ-worthy snap “shot” of how they’ve helped Make-A-Wish Alaska & Washington. It’s as impressive as their 9-1-1 drink, which has 6 shots of espresso:
- Supported 10 Wishes (and counting)Provided landscaping for play system wishes
- Delivered online shopping spree items (parade-style)
- Hosted wish celebrations at their coffee stands
- Planned special deliveries for wish kids on their wish days
- Attended airport send-offs and welcome homes
- Richland location did a fundraising campaign around Halloween
- Helped a Make-A-Wish volunteer’s lemonade fundraiser be successful
Wish volunteer, Louis Huang, said, “Dutch Bros totally knocked it out of the park for the trailer pickup! They brought lots of gifts for Rivka’s birthday and wish dad was in happy tears the whole time.”
Happy tears. We could all use a double shot of that.
Wish Night – Joy is calling
Wish Night – Joy is calling Joy. It’s what childhood is supposed to be built upon. But all too often that collapses when a child is diagnosed with a critical illness. Lucky for us, joy is never far when Make-A-Wish is near. Celebrate the joy that you make possible and join us at our Wish Night Gala & Auction. You’ll be inspired by our wish stories and entertained by our emcee, wish alum Cassidy Huff! After her wish to meet the Rascal Flatts in 2008, she has continued following her dreams, becoming an accomplished musician, actress, voice-over artist, author and speaker.
SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, March 18th, 2023 • Seattle Westin
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