WEST CHESTER, Pa.- In front of a crowd of over 1,600 strong on Wednesday night during the West Chester-East Stroudsburg men's basketball game, the West Chester University Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) resumed what has been something of a tradition for the Golden Rams over the years that is unique to Division II-Granting a wish to a deserving child in partnership with the Make A Wish Foundation.
The West Chester SAAC dedicates much of its work throughout each academic year to the support of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Through countless fundraisers and Make A Wish events, including a Lip Sync Battle, Dodgeball Competition, Waterpong Tournament, and canning at home events in the West Chester borough, the SAAC begins each year with the goal of raising enough money to cover the cost of granting a child a wish in partnership with Make-A-Wish. This initiative is unique to Division II and is something that West Chester has been a national leader in for many years, granting multiple wishes over the years, including a four-year stretch from 2017-20.
This year, in partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Philadelphia, Delaware, and Susquehanna Valley, we identified a child to come to campus for a wish reveal. Finnegan, who is continuing his childhood cancer battle, was a perfect choice.
True to the day, the SAAC, scores of Golden Ram athletes, including Spiderman and a dinosaur, and the Golden Ram faithful were on hand to surprise and celebrate with Finnegan and his family by revealing his wish- to travel to Disney World and Universal Studios with his family. SAAC provided Finnegan with all the supplies one might need for an enjoyable flight to and from Disney as part of what was a tremendous moment in Hollinger.
"We were excited to see our Athletic Community come together to share Finnegan's wish with him and his family," said Associate AD and SAAC Advisor
Kellianne Milliner. "Moments like what we saw last night are truly what it is all about."
On behalf of everyone at West Chester University Athletics, safe travels and have fun, Finnegan!
