Destination Joy (SM) presented by LAY’S

On June 5, 2007, the Make-A-Wish® Foundation of Middle Tennessee helped kick off Destination Joy (SM) presented by LAY’S, a national campaign to inspire individuals and organizations to help grant wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions.

A cast of well-wishers and celebrities launched the campaign at Nashville’s Union Station Hotel with a celebration of three wish kids: Brian, Ashley, and Eric.

Ashley was surprised at the ceremony by her friends and family who gathered to celebrate her wish to go to Hawaii.  Eric was surprised with the news of his wish coming true to meet the New York Yankees, which he would celebrate by throwing out the first pitch at a Nashville Sounds game that day.  Brian Johnson, from Whitehall, Montana, was also on hand to receive a wish. 

Brian, a 19-year-old with cystic fibrosis, learned at age 16 that he needed a lung transplant to live, and he received one a year later. He believes country music helped him in his recovery.  His wish:  To come to Nashville for CMA MusicFest. Tammy Genovese, of the Country Music Association, presented Brian with his CMA MusicFest passes, and then Warner Nashville country stars Big & Rich surprised Brian with a personal welcome to Nashville, complete with an autographed guitar and back-stage passes for their show later that week. 

Governor Bredesen recognized the spirit of Destination Joy by proclaiming June 5th  “Make-A-Wish Day® in Tennessee.” That day, a hundred volunteers and supporters contributed their time and talents. The Nashville Zoo and the Nashville Sounds hosted joy-filled events for our wish kids and their friends. Nashville’s Hemphill Coach Company and the F.A.D.D.s Party Bus Rental Company in Mount Juliet helped celebrate our three kids’ wishes by donating their time and vehicles to drive more than 200 miles over nine hours to Nashville’s joy-filled destinations.

This week of joy and a celebration shows how everyone has the power to help grant a wish.  Here’s how you can exercise your power:

  • Donate Cash – Help fund a wish!

  • Donate frequent flier miles and hotel rewards to help grant wishes.

  • Donate your time and talents as a volunteer in your community.

  • Host your own Destination Joy Event to raise awareness and funds to grant wishes.

  • Click here to check out our online Auction filled with one-of-a-kind experiences and items you can bid on to help grant wishes.

We hope you’ll be inspired to Share the Power of a wish.