New Country Lexus of Westport supports Make-A-Wish Connecticut in its mission to make children’s wishes come true

New Country Lexus of Westport has always maintained a strong reputation of commitment to its customers and friends. In 2013, they took that reputation to a new level through a new partnership with Make-A-Wish Connecticut. The mission of Make-A-Wish is to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.

New Country Lexus of Westport supported Make-A-Wish Connecticut through a variety of opportunities throughout 2013. In July, New Country Lexus sponsored the Annual Wish Invitational at H. Smith Richardson Golf Course in Fairfield, a premier golf tournament fundraiser for over 20 years that has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for Make-A-Wish Connecticut in its history. New Country Lexus continued its commitment to Make-A-Wish throughout the year as well through the foundation’s Adopt-A-Wish® program.

With the support of New Country Lexus of Westport, Make-A-Wish granted the wish of 9-year-old Charles, whose wish was to go on a Disney Cruise in the Caribbean. His journey took him from Port Canaveral to Nassau in the Bahamas, and through a special private island called Castaway Cay.

“The power of a wish come true lasts far more than just a day, two days, or even a week,” commented Kim Smith, Development Director for Make-A-Wish Connecticut. “The wish itself may last a week, but the experience and the memories that a wish creates gives a child hope and strength for the days ahead, and joy to last a lifetime.”

According to a 2011 study, a combined 89 percent of doctors, nurses and health professionals surveyed say they believe a wish experience can influence wish kids' physical health. 99 percent of parents reported that the wish experience gave their children increased feelings of happiness and 96 percent even stated that the wish experience strengthened their families. Make-A-Wish Connecticut has granted over 2,300 wishes since its inception in 1986 and grants an average of about 150 wishes each year.

“With the average cost of a wish at almost $10,000 in Connecticut, it is the dedication of New Country Lexus of Westport that allows us to continue in our mission to grant wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions,” continued Smith. “Thanks to the support of friends like New Country Lexus, we continue to strive towards our vision of reaching every eligible child and making his or her one true wish come true. Thank you, New Country Lexus, for helping us to share the power of a wish!”

To learn more about New Country Lexus of Westport, visit www.lexusofwestport.com. To learn more about Make-A-Wish Connecticut, visit ct.wish.org.