Walk for Wishes coming May 25

It only takes a few steps to make a difference in the lives of deserving Maine children who are living with life-threatening medical conditions. The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Maine’s fifth annual Walk for Wishes will take place Thursday, May 25, at Bass Park in Bangor.

Prewalk festivities, including food and entertainment, will begin at 5 p.m., and the walk at 6 p.m.

Nearly 70 Penobscot County children have benefited from Make-A-Wish. Last year 13-year-old Carl of Hampden traveled to Hawaii with his family, 7-year-old Fletcher of Bangor received the computer of his dreams and 13-year-old Beth of Old Town went to St. Vincent’s Island.

This year, 7-year-old Faith of Hudson received her wish trip to swim with dolphins in Bermuda.

The Walk For Wishes is a major source of fundraising for making such wishes possible. The average cost of a wish is $5,000. Last year, walkers at the Bangor location raised more than $6,000. There is no registration fee, and all walkers will receive a Make-A-Wish awareness wristband.

Adult walkers who raise more than $100, and youth walkers who raise more than $50, will receive a T-shirt. Employers and employees are invited to team up to become wish makers through the Walk For Wishes, by collectively raising $5,000. After the walk, a wish will be granted in honor of the wish maker company and its employees.

Participants, whether walking individually or on a team, may register online and collect pledges online. For information, visit www.maine.wish.org, call (866) 704-WALK, or e-mail wishwalk@maine.wish.org.