runDisney Celebrated Charity Spotlight: Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida

Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida is the Celebrated Charity of the 2023 runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend

Hello, my name is Kelli Robertson! I am not only a Make-A-Wish® staff member, but I am also proud to be running the 10K alongside my family to raise awareness and necessary funds for this incredible mission. Being part of something bigger than yourself, is not only what life should be about, it also describes the heart of Make-A-Wish. The Make-A-Wish mission is that, “Together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.” In order to do anything life-changing, we must be willing to think, act, and serve beyond our normal capabilities. I believe that is why I have always wanted to be a part of this organization and why I am proud to race to finish line for it.

I first came to fall in love with Make-A-Wish when I attended one of their events, the Wishmaker’s Ball. This event was filled with the beauty, joy, and magic that is a “wish come true.” Story after story of each wish that was granted exemplified the heart of an organization that understood the importance of doing something meaningful. Helping children when they need it most. Putting smiles back on their faces. Restoring hope.

Which is exactly why seven years later I jumped at the opportunity to be a part of this mission full time. I am now the proud Volunteer Manager for Make-A-Wish Central & Northern Florida (talk about a wish come true!?) helping to pair wish granting volunteers to families across Central and Northern Florida. Having the opportunity to see the minute detail that goes into every wish pushes me to do my job better and better every day.

Outside of my experience at work, running has always been a passion of mine – especially when it is something I can do with my family. Running is an escape. It’s an opportunity to continue working on my physical health while taking care of my mental health as well. Which I have learned from Make-A-Wish, is such a key component of leading a healthy and happy life. So when I found out that Make-A-Wish was the beneficiary of the runDisney Springtime Surprise race weekend– I knew I had to be a part of it.

I am excited to be running the 10K alongside my husband, two daughters, and son-in-law. Our goal together as a family is to raise $2,500 to help grant more life-changing wishes to children in need. This will be the first year that I get to run with intention. This will be the first year each step I take will remind me of the each wish we have granted. Every time I think about quitting, I push forward imagining every volunteer who made those wishes happen. I will keep going for the team that makes the wishes come to life. I will finish for every child we have impacted and for those still going through the pipeline.

I am so grateful to work for an organization that changes lives every day – and grateful to all of the runners who have donated through the runDisney Springtime Surprise race weekend to help make even more children’s wishes possible. I will see you all at the finish line!