SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Virginia. – An annual tradition that has been going on for decades helps grant the wishes of children with serious illnesses.
Every year, kids come to the Bridgewater Marina in Smith Mountain Lake to feed popcorn to the huge carp that congregate around the docks. All popcorn sales are donated to Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia.
This year, the campaign raised $26,433 for the organization.
“All the money is raised by residents and visitors to SML, so it’s really our amazing customers who make donations possible,” said Bridgewater Marina partner Ryan Waters. “We are extremely grateful for their enthusiastic support of this incredible organization.”
“Feed the Fish for Make-A-Wish” began in 2017 with the goal of turning a tradition into a way to contribute to a charity serving children. Over six years, the program has donated a total of $147,590 to the nonprofit.
“Wishes bring hope and joy to children battling serious illnesses right here in Virginia, and can be a real turning point in their fight,” said Make-A Chapter Development Director Paige Bullen. -Wish Greater Virginia. “We are deeply grateful to the dedicated staff of Bridgewater Marina and the generous community of Smith Mountain Lake for making this incredible donation possible. We are very proud to partner with them and grant more wishes for children across the state through the success of Feed-The-Fish For Make-A-Wish.
Waters said the marina will continue to donate to the cause this year with the goal of raising $30,000.
Copyright 2022 by WSLS 10 – All rights reserved.