Multiple agencies sends local Make-A-Wish kid to Disneyland

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - This is a press release from Kretschmar.

Kretschmar® Premium Meats & Cheeses has partnered with the Roberts Company, Inc. family of grocery stores and Make-A-Wish® Mississippi to help grant a young Hattiesburg boy's most heartfelt wish. Miller, a five-year-old fighting a congenital heart condition, loves theme parks and the holiday season. It came as no surprise when Miller told Make-A-Wish that his dream was to experience the magic of the holidays at a popular Orlando theme park with his family.

Kretschmar, Corner Market, Sunflower Food Stores, and Make-A-Wish granted Miller's wish, then threw him a big party on his fifth birthday to send him off to Florida. The party was hosted by Chi Omega Sorority at the University of Southern Mississippi, and included a musical performance from the sorority and a local children's choir.

Miller will experience the trip of a lifetime while in Orlando, where he and his family will meet their favorite cartoon characters, enjoy theme park rides, and see spectacular holiday lights and decorations. The highlight of the trip will be when Miller meets Santa Claus.

"Kretschmar is committed to supporting the important efforts of Make-A-Wish and helping to make wishes come true for children with life-threatening medical conditions, like Miller," said Michael J. Sargent, Kretschmar Deli senior brand manager. "We are privileged to have the opportunity to make this unforgettable experience possible with help from Corner Market, Sunflower Food Stores, and Make-A-Wish."

In Miller's lifetime, he has been through four open heart surgeries. His parents say he is courageous and does not allow his condition to limit him. Miller loves to ride his bike, run around with his friends, and play golf.

"Make-A-Wish Mississippi is extremely grateful to the Roberts Company family of grocery stores and Kretschmar for their understanding of how critical a wish experience is in the healing process for children like Miller," said Rod Henderson, Make-A-Wish Mississippi senior director of development. "We appreciate both companies for engaging and allowing the community to be part of the life-changing story for wish kids. These experiences will be forever treasured by these children."

Since 2012, Kretschmar has contributed more than $600,000 to Make-A-Wish nationally and sponsored more than 12 wishes with local chapters through the brand's Legendary Wishes campaign.

Thanks to retail partners like the Roberts Company, Kretschmar has raised additional funding through sales of Make-A-Wish paper stars sold at stores' registers for $1 donations, employee donations, and sandwich fundraisers. Corner Market and Sunflower Food Stores locally raised $14,000 from October 31 through November 12 to help grant future wishes like Miller's. These efforts with retail partners have raised more than $85,000, which was given to local Make-A-Wish chapters to grant more wishes.