They make wishes come true

EASLEY — A check for over a quarter of a million dollars was presented to the South Carolina Make-A-Wish Foundation by members of the Apple Gold Group, the result of a statewide fundraising effort that began a year ago.

Members of the Apple Gold Group met with Make-A-Wish South Carolina executives and “Wish Kid” David Spracher along with his family to celebrate the success of the fundraiser and make the check presentation.

Five-year-old David’s wish was to go to Disney World. In April of this year, David’s wish was granted.

Make-A-Wish South Carolina is a non-profit organization that grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. In the past year, Make-A-Wish SC granted 156 wishes — an average of three wishes a week.

The local chapter receives funding through private donations, individuals, companies and special events and has never turned away a qualifying child. Make-A-Wish South Carolina is currently celebrating its 30th year granting wishes.

Over the past 12 months, Applebee’s restaurants collectively raised the funds through various means. Direct donations were accepted at restaurant locations, the annual Chip In For Wishes Golf Tournament and the annual Wish Card Fundraiser all helped to reach the $250,000 goal.

Information specialist Taylor Meadows said individual restaurants also organized small community fundraisers throughout the year to keep the fundraising momentum going for the nonprofit Make-A-Wish.

Michael Olander, president and CEO of Apple Gold Group — a franchisee of Applebee’s Grill and Bar — stated the organization intends to increase the $250,000 goal next year.

“It’s an honor to continue this partnership with Make-A-Wish South Carolina, who operates for the sole purpose of giving a child a lifetime of happiness through granting their biggest wish,” said Olander. “We hope to continue to raise the bar with fundraising next year.”

The group’s Make-A-Wish campaign is a continued extension of the company’s community outreach efforts. Over the past year alone, the company’s combined 133 locations in seven states has raised approximately $2 million for local non-profit organizations.

Beth Taylor, left, a member of the Make a Wish SC board, Bill Tiller, president of SC Make a Wish, accept a donation check from Blake Pittman, Scott Harrison of the Apple Gold Group, area directors John Trone and Chris Olson, and Stephen Rickard, general manager of the Easley Applebee’s. Harrison is the regional vice president of the Apple Gold Group. At front, in front of Taylor, is David Spracher, one of the area’s Wish Kids.

http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/web1_AB1.jpgBeth Taylor, left, a member of the Make a Wish SC board, Bill Tiller, president of SC Make a Wish, accept a donation check from Blake Pittman, Scott Harrison of the Apple Gold Group, area directors John Trone and Chris Olson, and Stephen Rickard, general manager of the Easley Applebee’s. Harrison is the regional vice president of the Apple Gold Group. At front, in front of Taylor, is David Spracher, one of the area’s Wish Kids. Courtesy photos

Stephen Rickard, left, general manager of the Applebee’s location in Easley, visits with David Spracher, front, and his family David, Camden and Ericka. Members of the Apple Gold Group met with Make-A-Wish South Carolina executives to present a check for $250,000 to the group.

http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/web1_AB2.jpgStephen Rickard, left, general manager of the Applebee’s location in Easley, visits with David Spracher, front, and his family David, Camden and Ericka. Members of the Apple Gold Group met with Make-A-Wish South Carolina executives to present a check for $250,000 to the group. Courtesy photos

David Spracher is just one of the thousands of “Wish Kids” with serious illnesses who has been given a once-in-a-lifetime experience by the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/web1_AB3.jpgDavid Spracher is just one of the thousands of “Wish Kids” with serious illnesses who has been given a once-in-a-lifetime experience by the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Courtesy photos