Lakeshore in the Community: The Make-A-Wish Foundation: Giving Hope, Strength & Joy to Children

The Make-A-Wish Foundation^® of Michigan: Giving Hope, Strength & Joy to Children

Sterling Heights, Michigan

Lakeshore recently had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take part in something truly incredible—working with the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan to make one little girl’s dream come true. The Make-A-Wish Foundation—which works to grant wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions—contacted us about hosting a very special girl named Emma.

Emma is a seven-year-old who is battling brain cancer. When Emma was given the opportunity to make her one true wish, she had a very simple request: All she wanted was to go on a shopping spree at fun stores, and one of them, of course, was Lakeshore! The Make-A-Wish Foundation granted Emma’s wish, and she chose to fulfill it at the Lakeshore Learning Store in Sterling Heights, Michigan.

In preparation for Emma’s arrival, our Sterling Heights team decorated the front of the store with sidewalk chalk and window crayons, and then prepared to roll out the red carpet—literally and figuratively! They wanted to help make sure that Emma’s dream was everything she had hoped for.

When the big day arrived, Emma was escorted to the store in a limousine, along with her parents and siblings. She was presented with her own Lakeshore apron, gift bag and personalized shopping cart. But before Emma started shopping, there were a few more surprises still in store for her.

Emma loves learning new things and using her creativity. However, because of her condition, she has only been able to attend school for a few days a year—missing out on a regular part of childhood that so many of us take for granted. So, as a special surprise, our retail team created a miniature classroom right inside the store where Emma could play teacher. Emma donned her apron and stepped up to the teaching easel to lead her own craft-making class, while her family and the Lakeshore staff role-played students. Afterward, Emma enjoyed creating her own craft, and then joined her father and the Lakeshore team for a special dance—set to the tune of one of Emma’s favorite songs, “Tooty Ta” by the popular children’s singer Dr. Jean.

At the end of the day, Emma filled her shopping cart, selecting lots of fun items she could take home and enjoy with her family. After helping load Emma’s selections into the limo, our staff waved goodbye. Everyone at Lakeshore was incredibly thankful that Emma had chosen to spend the day with us.

To learn more about the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan, visit www.wishmich.org.

Click on the images below to enlarge.

Emma’s VIP arrival included a first-class limousine escort.

Emma gets a hug from Sheri, Lakeshore’s store manager.

The retail team anxiously awaits Emma’s arrival.

Emma’s shopping cart, which the retail team lovingly decorated.

Emma and Assistant Store Manager Tiffany get creative with paints and brushes.

The young artist takes a quick break—perhaps to ponder her next paint stroke.

Emma shows off her new photo frame, which she can use to display one of her many works of art.


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