Annual Wishes Matter Newsletter 2014-15 | Page 9

Starz LLC Every year, Starz LLC hosts an event for 10-12 wish families to enjoy activities, including carnival games, skee-ball, video games and balloon art. It is an afternoon truly dedicated to having fun. It is also a special event for the Starz employees, as they organize the event and make it all happen. “The whole employee base gets involved,” says Starz’s Paula Middleton, Executive Assistant. “We enjoy being a part of it and the chance to be one-on-one with the kids.” Aside from the opportunity to volunteer the day of the event, a memorable moment for everyone is when the wish kids first enter the doors of Starz. “When they come through the doors, everyone is lined up to welcome the families,” said Glenn Curtis, President of Starz “The event is special to us; it is fulfilling to be a part of.” Since 1998, Starz has been an incredible supporter of Make-A-Wish Colorado, donating more than $750,000, for wishes to date. Thanks to this company’s generous donations, over 120 families have experienced the joy of being granted a wish. Thank you Starz for your incredible support! Ariya’s Wish to Meet Maya Moore Ariya is the type to not allow anything to get in the way of her goal of becoming a professional basketball player. As evidence, two years ago when the fourteen year old was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, she became determined to defeat her illness through basketball, the sport she loves the most. After receiving news of her eligibility to receive a wish from Make-AWish® Colorado, without hesitation, Ariya knew what she wanted: the chance to shoot hoops with her role model and professional basketball player, Maya Moore. Ariya spent her wish day doing just that and more, joining in on pregame practice with Moore and the Minnesota Lynx, as well as being an honorary starter for the game against Seattle. “My favorite part of the wish day was seeing the expression on her face when she met Maya Moore,” said mom, Renee. “She was speechless.” Ariya’s love for Maya Moore and basketball has only grown since her special day in June. “She wants to get out there and play basketball,” said Renee. “Her goal is to not just be on a WNBA team, but to be on the Lynx.” Along with the pure joy from that day, Ariya is excited for the future and continues to work towards her goals. Ariya’s experience was one that many girls could only dream of, and for her it was truly a wish come true. Wishes in Flight ® Donate your miles today at colorado.wish.org/miles Wish Colorado | 2014 – 2015 ∙ 9