CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — Throughout the month of April, the employees and businesses of Tech Ridge lent their support to the second annual Tech 4 Wishes campaign to raise funds for local children battling critical illnesses.
Tech 4 Wishes shares the power of a child’s wish, uniting employees and the community around a great cause. All funds raised go directly to Make-A-Wish Utah.
This year’s campaign raised $55,000, which will be used not only to grant the wishes of 11 Southern Utah kids but also to help Make-A-Wish Utah fulfill incoming wishes.
“People were so excited and willing to help and get involved in any way they could,” said Requel Lewis, sales development rep with busybusy and liaison for this year’s Tech 4 Wishes campaign. “It’s such an incredible thing that Make-A-Wish does. It’s something that gives them hope and gives them something to look forward to.”
The inspiration for this year’s campaign was 14-year-old Collin, who wished to receive a puppy. Collin’s father worked for Vasion during the inaugural Tech 4 Wishes campaign, and the family learned of his cancer after one of the company’s fundraising events. Collin has been bravely battling his illness ever since.
During the Tech 4 Wishes kickoff event, held at Vasion’s headquarters on March 30, Collin’s wish granters presented him with his new Vizsla puppy plus a doghouse, bed, collar and leash. The event also gave onlookers a chance to catch up with 17-year-old Andon, one of last year’s wish kids. He wished for a camping trailer, which his family has since taken on a trip to California.
Fundraising activities for this year’s campaign included employee-planned events such as a dinner with a silent auction, cook-off contest, basketball tournament and slushy-chugging contest, all held in April. The partner companies each matched the funds raised by their employees.
Tech 4 Wishes was held in collaboration with the third annual Drive 4 Wishes campaign presented by Strong Auto. Throughout April, the Strong Auto Wish Car drove around Washington County granting wishes. Tech Ridge companies busybusy, Vasion, Dixie Tech, Zonos and Intergalactic sponsored both campaigns alongside B92.1, the Dixie Elks Charitable Foundation, Chartway Federal Credit Union, Eagle Gate Title, the Love like Joe Foundation, SkyWest, Wittwer Hospitality and Zions Bank.
Tech 4 Wishes gives employees and business leaders an opportunity to be inspired by wish kids and make a lasting impact in the community.
“Interacting with wish kids and their families is what makes Tech 4 Wishes such a powerful and even emotional experience for our team,” said Joshua Aikens, chief of staff at Zonos. “Once you connect with these brave children and their courageous parents, you can’t help but get involved.”
With the backing of four Tech Ridge companies – Vasion, Zonos, Dixie Tech and busybusy – Tech 4 Wishes was created in 2021 to fulfill two goals: granting wishes and uniting people. Last year, the campaign raised nearly $70,000 for 12 wish kids in the local community. It was the largest donation ever to come out of Washington County for Make-A-Wish Utah.
“Hosting the wish kids in our office is what made this fundraiser real,” said Jonathan Malan, vice president of human resources for Vasion. “When we heard a 17-year-old talk about losing 11 inches of his femur and fighting cancer or a mother of an 11-year-old suffering from daily seizures, it forced all of us to look internally at how we could help.”
Make-A-Wish Utah grants around 200 wishes for critically ill children annually, but there’s a need for more, especially outside of Salt Lake County. The companies of Tech Ridge aim to grow the campaign every year.
“Wishes matter,” Lewis said. “They provide hope that helps kids battle their illness.”
Located on the former St. George Airport site overlooking downtown St. George, the 180-acre Tech Ridge master plan redefines the modern urban center. This smart, mixed-use development draws innovative tech companies and amplifies their ability to attract and retain top talent.
The mix of workspaces, shops and eateries will promote a dynamic social lifestyle, including 60 acres of easily accessible trails, parks and open space, all surrounded by the striking red cliffs of Southern Utah. Learn more and connect at TechRidge.com.
Written by ALEXA MORGAN for St. George News.
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