When a Gilroy man set about connecting the Black Bear Diner restaurant he owned with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, he didn’t imagine the fundraising efforts from the company-wide initiative would be nearing the $1 million mark after just six years.
Gilroyran George Sammut, who owns the Gilroy Black Bear Diner, suggested the partnership because he admired the work of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants the wishes of children between the ages of 2.5 and 18 who have been diagnosed with life-threatening medical conditions.
The partnership – which began in 2008 – has raised $750,000 and helped 100 children with life-threatening medical conditions get their wishes over the years.
“It just kind of grew into something that got bigger and bigger and we’re headed to our million dollar mark, which we thought was a long shot,” said Sammut.
Today, the fundraiser takes place once a month during December and engages about 60 Black Bear restaurants across eight states.
The fundraising efforts have morphed into a program called “Make Room for a Wish,” which donates $1 from desserts purchased during December to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Patrons can also purchase $5 and $10 stars, which are hung on the walls of the restaurant during that month.
For Sammut, the partnership was inspired by Keenan Bly, the grandson of one of Sammut’s employees.
Diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 6, Keenan was able to visit Disneyland with the help of Make-A-Wish. Although Keenan eventually passed away, Sammut remembers seeing pictures of his Disneyland trip and the little boy’s smile.
“Keenan was a special little guy and he was on my mind the whole time we were putting this together,” said Sammut.
Last year: $202,200
From 2008 to present: $750,000
