RCHS raises $13k in 60 seconds; $72k in 7 days
Isaac L. (center) is introduced to the RCHS student body, welcoming him with a rendition of their “I Believe” chant, saying “I believe in Isaac’s wish.”
Article and photo by Andrew Bohren, RCHS intern writer; courtesy photo
Ever since the 2009-2010 school year, there is one week in February when one school unites to grant a child in need a special wish. In doing so, RCHS has not only granted one wish for each of the five kids, but over 20 wishes with the help of over $200,000 raised in the past five years.
This year it was all about Isaac, a 13 year-old boy who suffered a stroke and battled with cancer. That was then, however. Today, Isaac’s cancer is in remission and RCHS made it their mission to give Isaac the one wish he had dreamed of; a trip to New York City.
At the end of the opening assembly, it is tradition that the assembly closes with the “Miracle Minute.” When the minute starts, the entire student body rushes towards inflatable pools set up in the middle of the gym to donate their spare change. This year, in only one minute, RCHS raised just under $13,000; enough to grant Isaac’s wish and then some, given the average wish costs about $7,500.
Over the course of the week, students participated in events including a dodge ball tournament, and a basketball tournament appropriately called “Make-A-Swish,” where Isaac was surprised by the special appearance of Bronco’s linebacker Danny Trevathan. All seven nights also included “Dish for a Wish,” in which different restaurants including Chick-fil-A, Costa Vida, and Chipotle donated a percentage of its profits for one night towards the Wish Week total.
“I participated in the ‘Make-A-Swish’ tournament for the second year in a row,” senior and Castle Pines resident Ryan Williams said. “It’s a great way to have fun playing basketball with your friends while also contributing to a great cause, and everyone playing knows that it isn’t about themselves.”
The moment of truth came at the end of the assembly when RCHS students learned they had not only granted Isaac’s wish, but eight other wishes courtesy of the $72,517.79 they raised over the course of one week!!
“To me Wish Week is one of the most humbling experiences anyone could have and it’s amazing to watch such a big community come together and rally for one cause to help one kid’s dream come true,” student-body president and Castle Pines resident Logan Heflebower said. “It’s truly a blessing to be able to take part in it.”
Wish Week recipient Isaac L. winds up to throw for the “Wavy Palm Trees,” who won the dodge ball tournament when Isaac hit the last remaining opponent. (Photo courtesy of Liam Kelley).
