The power of sports and community is set to bring joy to three children as Make-A-Wish and the Devils Youth Foundation (DYF) announce a joint effort to grant three wishes on Nov. 7-8. The exclusive two-day experience is supported by the New Jersey Devils and Fanatics, the Official Sports Partner of Make-A-Wish.
Three wish recipients—Natalie (15), Giovanni (12), and Darby (19)—and their families will be hosted at the Prudential Center for an unforgettable journey centered around the New Jersey Devils hockey team. All three children share a heartfelt wish to meet their sports heroes. Natalie is bravely facing cancer, Giovanni lives with a gastrointestinal disorder, and Darby is managing a heart condition.
The event is split into two unique experiences:
Nov. 7: Practice Day at RWJBarnabas Health Hockey House
- Personalized jerseys and gifts waiting at individual lockers in the Devils Locker Room.
- Watching the Devils practice and an opportunity to skate on the ice.
- A full team meet and greet.
- Lunch with Devils alumni.
- A shopping spree in the Devils Den Team Store, courtesy of Fanatics.
Nov. 8: Gameday Experience at Prudential Center
- Watching warm-ups from the bench.
- Access to the High Five Tunnel.
- A suite visit from mascot NJ Devil and Devils Alum Bruce Driver.
- A Zamboni ride during the intermission.
- A tour of the MSG TV Truck during the second intermission.
“Our mission is rooted in creating meaningful experiences for our youth, and this partnership with Make-A-Wish is a wonderful reflection of that shared mission in action,” Kate Whitman Annis, executive director of the Devils Youth Foundation said. “We are honored to welcome Natalie, Giovanni, Darby and their families for two days of joy, cherished memories, and unforgettable moments.”
Tom Weatherall, Make-A-Wish New Jersey President and CEO, extended gratitude to the partners. “We’re grateful to our good friends at the New Jersey Devils for answering the call when we have wish kids who want to meet their sports heroes,” he said. “Together [with Fanatics], we’re committed to changing the game for wish kids like Natalie, Giovanni and Darby.”
Would you like to search for the final outcome or details of these wishes after November 8th? While the final, heartwarming photos and stories from the event on Nov. 7-8, are not yet available, the provided text contains all the details of the exciting, exclusive experiences planned for the three wish recipients.
