The New York Giants announced their 3rd day draft selections from the Samuel & Josephine Plumeri Wishing Place, home of Make-A-Wish New Jersey, on Saturday April 27th. Big Blue joined wish kids and their fam- ily members for an exciting day filled with games, music, food and fun. Throughout the day, the Giants 4th through 6th round draft selections were broadcast from the balcony of the Make-A-Wish castle located in Monroe Township, New Jersey. The Samuel & Josephine Plumeri Wishing Place, a magical and whimsical wish granting facility, is the only one of its kind. It provides an environment that is free of limitations, confinement, and stress. It stimulates the imagination and reveals to children with critical illnesses the imaginative possibilities of a wish.
Among the many highlights of the day was a surprise meeting between New York Giants Running Back Saquon Barkley and 14-year-old Jared, whose wish was to meet the Offensive Rookie of the Year. In front of his family and nearly two hundred wish kids and family members, Jared and Saquon were introduced for the first time. Saquon and the New York Giants also shared with Jared that this fall, he will spend an exciting weekend with the team at a practice and a home game – a VIP treatment the Giants have continued to provide to wish children like Jared for years.
The celebration also included special visits and draft picks from New York Giants’ teammates Tight End Evan Engram, Offensive Tackle Nate Solder, Tackle Chad Wheeler, and Offensive Guard Will Hernandez.
The Giants have been deeply involved with Make-A-Wish for decades, creating life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses through- out New Jersey and across the country. In 2013, they were recognized for their commitment to the Make-A-Wish mission and honored with the Chris Greicius Celebrity Award. This national recognition is named after the 7-year-old boy whose experience in 1980 to be a police officer inspired a group of caring volunteers to fulfill his dream and later create the Make-A- Wish Foundation. It serves to recognize celebrities, athletes, sports teams and entertainment entities who demonstrate excellence and a commitment to the mission of Make-A-Wish – to create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.
“Our special relationship with the New York Football Giants has always been one we hold in the highest regard,” shared Tom Weatherall, President & CEO of Make-A-Wish New Jersey. “Simply put, they have long set the bar for excellence when called upon to grant wishes. The Giants have always been there for us and for our mission, and we are honored to call them our friends. Our wish families were thrilled to be part of today’s festivities, and to welcome Big Blue back to the castle!”
Since 1983, Make-A-Wish New Jersey has created life-changing wishes for over 10,000 children in the Garden State. In the fight against a critical ill- ness, a wish helps kids look past their limitations, families overcome anxiety and entire communities experience joy. Make-A-Wish New Jersey granted a record 560 wishes in its most recent fiscal year.
For more information on Make-A-Wish New Jersey and to find out how you can help make future life-changing wishes come true, visit nj.wish.org.