By Kasey Romero
Ionian Staff Writer

Tenemos Un Sueno was a highlighted event of Hispanic Heritage Month that began on Sept. 15 and ends on Oct. 15. This particular fundraiser was set to send all proceeds to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Founded in 1980, the Make-A-Wish Foundation hopes to help the terminally ill.  Children with life-threatening medical conditions are able to gain their deepest and most desired wish.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation changed and inspired all who take part in the fundraiser. In Robert V. LaPenta Student Union at 12 p.m. on Oct. 7, the Public Relations Student Society of America set up a table promoting the cause. Volunteers included Joyce C. Ramirez, Laura Ruocco, Lliana Morse, Brianne Mulligan, Jamila R. Woolford and Nicole Lilienthal.

At the table students were able to make monetary donations and write your own hopes, aspirations and dreams on a cloud. Those wishes will then be posted around campus. Their goal was to raise $100-150. That amount may not be enough to fulfill a child's dream but it most certainly can be put towards making a dream come true. The average cost of "wish-granting" is $7,362. One hundred and fifty dollars may not seem like much, but it can go a long way.

As of now, 184,144 wishes have been granted. A new wish is granted every 40 minutes. The most common wishes children make are to travel to a desired destination, meet a public figure, and have something they've longed for and to fulfill their dream of being someone else for a day.

It is not the first time this kind of initiative has taken place on the Iona College campus. In the spring of 2009, a similar fundraiser was created to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during Black History Month.  Iona Senior and President of PRSSA Joyce C. Ramirez said this event allowed students to connect within the Iona Community and helped them to relate and understand the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

According to Ramirez they chose this organization because it "touched home." One of her sorority sisters in Beta Sigma Alpha has a deep connection with the organization. It also helps promotes their "We Have a Dream" event helping to recognize and celebrate the aspirations of others.

"Donating is important because there are always people out in the world who have it far worse than you do or do not have the luxury of having good health, education and many other things," said Ramirez. "By donating you are helping others achieve happiness that you have in your life."

 PRSSA hopes to accomplish their main goal of "putting a smile on a child's face." Also they would love if "We Have a Dream" became an annual event for this club on campus. They find it extremely important to showcase a positive message to the Iona College community.

If you were unable to donate or participate in this event, do not fret. You can donate directly to the Make-A- Wish foundation through their Web site or by contacting any of the PRSSA members. Everyone has the power to make a wish come true. It is never too late.

 

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For questions or more information please contact:
Dawn Insanalli
Public Relations Office
Iona College, 715 North Avenue, New Rochelle, N.Y. 10801
Office: (914) 637-2726
Fax: (914) 637-2711
dinsanalli@iona.edu