LITITZ, Pa. — UPDATE: A record-breaking $50,375 was raised at this year’s 19th annual "A Season for Wishes."
Organizers say this will help Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware and Susquehanna Valley grant at least five wishes this year.
To date, more than $515,000 has been raised through Lititz Academy of Dance.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When Lititz Academy of Dance was first formed nearly two decades ago, Director Lisa Kalinowski knew she wanted to make a difference. Not only in the lives her of students but also by giving back to the community.
"We decided we wanted to do a show at the holidays to 100 percent benefit a charity, and our nephew was a wish child," said Kalinowski. "So that is how we knew right away, oh my goodness, Make-A-Wish."
After seeing the positive impact made on her nephew, she's chosen to give back to the organization every holiday season for the past 19 years.
"Make-A-Wish is such a gift to everyone because it allows wishes to come true for children who badly need it and families who badly need it some happiness and magic in their lives," she said.
If you'd like to give back and enjoy some dance, "A Season of Wishes" takes place on Saturday, December 9. For more information, click here.
Kalinowski says giving back to the organization has also left a meaningful impact on her students.
"Being part of something so special and so much bigger than themselves, wanting to do their art for others and for them to see the miracles that can happen when people come together," she said. "It's incredible."
Through the years, the academy has raised more than $467,000 for Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware and Susquehanna Valley. That's 50 life-changing wishes.
"Honestly I can say it's one of the biggest blessings of my life to be involved in something like this," said Kalinowski.