Spring Valley resident Emma Sinford tossed the coin prior to the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl, which took place on Dec. 20 at Qualcomm Stadium.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation of San Diego is the beneficiary of the Poinsettia Bowl, and five ‘Wish Kids’ were given various functions at the game between Brigham Young University and San Diego State University. Brigham Young won the coin toss and subsequently the 23-6 game.
Spring Valley resident Emma Sinford tossed the coin prior to the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl, which took place on Dec. 20 at Qualcomm Stadium.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation of San Diego is the beneficiary of the Poinsettia Bowl, and five ‘Wish Kids’ were given various functions at the game between Brigham Young University and San Diego State University. Brigham Young won the coin toss and subsequently the 23-6 game.
“We try to pick the ones that are kind of sports enthusiasts,” said Make-A-Wish Foundation community development manager Alex Cano.
Sinford, who turned ten on Dec.30, has Cystic Fibrosis. Her wish was to go on an Alaskan Disney cruise, and that was granted in October.
Cano noted that the Make-A-Wish Foundation looks for kids whose wishes have recently been granted or are about to be granted when selecting Poinsettia Bowl roles. “They’re more familiar with us and they’re more comfortable with us,” Cano said.
Cano also noted that the Wish Kids whose wishes have been recently granted are more enthusiastic than those struggling to accept their condition. “After they come back from (achieving) their wish they’re all excited,” he said.
Cano also noted that the Wish Kids who are granted a wish are in physical condition to have that wish fulfilled. “They’re well enough to travel, so they’re well enough to be in public and represent us,” he said.
The Poinsettia Bowl pre-game ceremonies included a Wish Kids parade.
In addition to donating $1 from each ticket sold to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of San Diego, the Poinsettia Bowl also provided 500 tickets for Wish Kids and their families to watch the game. “It’s just a wonderful memory for our Wish families,” Cano said. “We’re very grateful,” he concluded.
