Rob’s Wish is Presented by Coach Bill Callahan
at
“BIG RED” Red Tie Dinner
One of the incoming freshmen this fall at the University
of Nebraska Lincoln, will be wish teen, Rob. His wish was
presented to him by Coach Bill Callahan at the BIG RED Red
Tie Dinner on July 25th. Rob’s wish was for tuition assistance
to attend college, and it wasn’t until July 22nd, that he
notified Make-A-Wish of his school choice.
As timing would have it, we had an event planned
for the following Monday at Memorial Stadium in the West Stadium
Club. Coach Bill Callahan and his wife, Valerie, were to be
our honorary chairs, and his coaching staff would be there,
along with their wives. It turned out to be the perfect opportunity
to present Rob his scholarship from Make-A-Wish Foundation
of Nebraska, valued at $7500.
Rob was diagnosed with leukemia, and has had years of treatments.
That was all forgotten when he entered the West Stadium Club
with his parents and brother, Tom. The atmosphere was very
exciting, and almost became electric as the “Tunnel Walk”
music played to the introduction of the coaches present.
Wish teen, Ryan, spoke of his wish to visit Walt Disney World
Resort several years ago. His speech was very motivational
and Ryan received a standing ovation.
Coach Callahan offered the keynote address, with key players
intertwined among the high hopes for a winning season. Rob
McCartney, Anchor of KETV Channel 7, was the Master of Ceremonies
for the event. The remainder of the evening was rounded out
with a wonderful dinner by Premier Catering, silent and oral
auctions, and the opportunity to get many autographs from
Husker Coaches. ConAgra Foods, Inc. was the underwriting sponsor
for the evening.
For the almost 250 in attendance, it was a night to remember,
sitting among so many Husker Coaches, listening to Ryan tell
of his 20 surgeries and challenges, and hearing Coach Callahan’s
“Chalk Talk” for the 2005 Season. For Make-A-Wish, it meant
creating many new relationships, sharing our stories, and
raising $25,000 to grant wishes to more children like Ryan
and Rob.
A huge thank you to ConAgra Foods, Inc. for being our underwriting
sponsor.
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