Make-A-Wish Greece is marking thirty years of granting life-changing wishes for children suffering from critical illnesses, with Athens turning blue this week in honor of the organization’s anniversary and World Wish Day.
The milestone celebration is unfolding at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, where children, volunteers, supporters, donors, and senior leaders from the global Make-A-Wish movement are coming together for two days of events.
Make-A-Wish milestone celebration in the heart of Athens
In a rare and historic visit, Linda Pauling, co-founder of the global organization and mother of Chris Greicius, whose wish inspired the creation of Make-A-Wish in 1980, is in Athens for the anniversary events. She is joined by Luciano Manzo, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish International.
Eleni Constantinidi, President of Make-A-Wish Greece, and Sandra Zafirakopoulou, General Manager of Make-A-Wish Greece, are leading the local celebration, which honors the thousands of children in Greece whose wishes have come true over the past three decades.
Wish Walk traced thirty years of wishes in Greece
The anniversary events began on Sunday, April 26, with the Wish Walk through the park of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center. The walk took participants through the thirty-year history of Make-A-Wish Greece, highlighting the impact of wishes granted across the country. Linda Pauling walked alongside wish children, volunteers, and supporters in a public show of solidarity with children facing critical illnesses.
As evening fell, a drone show lit up the Athens sky in the organization’s signature blue. The walk concluded at the park’s dome, which also turned blue in celebration of World Wish Day.
Wishmakers take center stage today
Today, Monday, April 27, the focus shifts to the Stavros Niarchos Hall, where Make-A-Wish Greece is hosting a special Thank You Night for its 30th anniversary.
The evening celebrates the organization’s “Wishmakers,” the individuals and partners who support its mission and help make wishes possible. This year’s ceremony carries special significance, as Make-A-Wish Greece honors thirty major donors whose contributions have helped sustain the foundation over the past three decades. As part of the tribute, the Stavros Niarchos Hall is expected to glow blue, while supporters gather for a commemorative group photograph on its grand steps.
The Make-A-Wish story that now reaches Greece
Linda Pauling’s visit to Athens forms part of a wider global journey leading up to World Wish Day on April 29. The date marks the anniversary of the wish granted to her son, Chris Greicius, a seven-year-old boy with leukemia who dreamed of becoming a police officer.
On April 29, 1980, a group of people in Arizona came together to make Chris an honorary police officer. Pauling has described that day as a moment of joy and hope during an unimaginably difficult time, recalling how her son radiated happiness when his wish came true.
Chris died just two days after his wish, but his story became the beginning of a global movement. Since then, Make-A-Wish has granted more than 650,000 wishes worldwide, bringing hope, strength, and joy to children and families facing critical illness.
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