Humboldt exceeds $300k goal for Make-A-Wish
Lily Olson and Delany Reimers present a check for $1,000 to Make-A-Wish from lemonade stand sales they collected. They gave $1,300 previously from a fundraiser. Accepting the check are charity coaches Ryan Harklau (left) and Dallas Clark (right). Independent photo.
By KENT THOMPSON
Make-A-Wish has a mission of creating life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Sunday, the greater Humboldt community fulfilled its own mission by exceeding the Humboldt Make-A-Wish Foundation’s goal of raising $300,000 to fund a yearly wish for a Humboldt County child in perpetuity.
The event was the fourth charity softball game featuring football stars from the Iowa State Cyclones and the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Fans paid a $10 admission to see the ‘Clones and the Hawks slug it out on the softball diamond.
Iowa won the first two meetings in 2023 and 2024, with Iowa State winning last year. The Cyclones were trying to even the series with a win on Sunday.
In a tussle that featured eight long balls, including two by Cyclone Carter Pabst, the Hawkeyes managed to outscore Iowa State by an 11-7 final.
The game however was secondary to the fun and frivolity and raising money for a very important cause.
Final financial figures were being tabulated at press time. They will be reported when they become available.
“There are certain projects in life that become more than a fundraiser, more than event, and more than a goal. Because of the generosity of our community, more than 300 people attended last Sunday’s Iowa State/Iowa Make-A-Wish All-Star game and we not only reached but exceeded our goal,” Humboldt County Memorial Hospital Director of Marketing and Foundation Brienne Berte reported.
“That means Humboldt County children will have a guaranteed wish for generations to come,” she said.
“We have three local children granted wishes through the foundation and another child awaiting. Being able to say, ‘yes, your wish will happen,’ is something that truly fills my heard. This community has created a legacy that will continue to bring hope, joy and unforgettable memories for years to come,” Berte said.
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