News Summary

The 13th Annual ‘Swim to a Wish’ event in Kansas raises funds for local children battling critical illnesses. Inspired by personal tragedy, coach Kelly Kennedy unites teams to make a difference. The community supports through swimming and exciting raffles, creating wishes for those in need.

Swimmers in Kansas Dive In to Make Dreams Come True

In the heart of Kansas, a special event is making waves for a fantastic cause – it’s the 13th Annual “Swim to a Wish” event! This beloved occasion brings swimmers together to raise both money and awareness for local children who are bravely battling critical illnesses. What started back in 2013 as a heartfelt initiative is now a much-anticipated community tradition.

From Personal Tragedy to Purpose

The event was the brainchild of Kelly Kennedy, a swim coach at Campus High School. Kennedy’s motivation was deeply personal; he drew inspiration from his daughter’s journey with the Make-A-Wish Foundation during her battle with cancer. This touching experience ignited a passion within him to help other families facing similar challenges. It’s this spirit that has built the foundation for “Swim to a Wish” year after year.

Swim Teams Unite for a Common Goal

This year’s event is expected to attract teams from several local high schools, including Campus, Derby, Salina South, and Salina Central. Each team is fired up and set a fundraising goal of **$5,000** to make a real impact on the lives of local children. The funds raised will contribute significantly to granting wishes through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fulfilling the dreams of seriously ill children.

A Sense of Community and Contribution

The spirit of giving is palpable as students get ready to jump into the water, eager to make their mark in a meaningful way. Senior swimmer from Campus High School recently stated that participating in this event truly makes them feel part of something much bigger. It’s not just about swimming; it’s about building a bridge of hope and support for those who need it most.

Thanks from Those Who’ve Benefited

Families who have been touched by the Make-A-Wish program are also rallying behind this event, expressing their gratitude for the community’s support. There’s something magical about seeing volunteers swim alongside the kids who hold their dreams – it’s a beautiful display of unity, reminding everyone that together, we can conquer challenges, one stroke at a time.

Exciting Raffles to Boost Fundraising Efforts

To amp up the excitement and increase fundraising efforts this year, the event has introduced a thrilling raffle! One lucky winner will snag a football helmet generously donated by the Kansas City Chiefs, and it comes autographed by the talented linebacker Nick Bolton. Raffle tickets can be purchased directly at the Glenn Crum Natatorium at Campus High School throughout the weekend or by reaching out to Coach Kelly Kennedy for details. It’s not just a chance to win a unique prize, but also an opportunity to contribute to this noble cause.

Join the Movement

Those who want to know more about participating or contributing can head over to the official 2025 Swim to a Wish webpage for all the details. Whether you’re a swimmer, a supporter, or simply someone who believes in the power of community and hope, your involvement is what makes this event a success.

Make a Splash, Make a Difference!

So, Kansas, lace up those water shoes and get ready to dive into what promises to be a fantastic event filled with camaraderie, compassion, and a whole lot of swimming. Join in the fun and help create wonderful wishes for children in need. Every ripple counts!

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