n August of 2015, Kian and his family spent a week at Give Kids the World, a nonprofit resort in Florida thanks to Granted, an Evansville-based non-profit that grants wishes to children with terminal or life-threatening diseases, and their families. Photo provided
n August of 2015, Kian and his family spent a week at Give Kids the World, a nonprofit resort in Florida thanks to Granted, an Evansville-based non-profit that grants wishes to children with terminal or life-threatening diseases, and their families. Photo provided
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Families with children who have special needs face fears and uncertainties every day. On Saturday 174 participants raising money for Granted, an Evansville-based nonprofit that grants wishes to children ages 3 to 18 who have terminal or life threatening illnesses, will face their own fears as they rappel from the CenterPoint Energy building in downtown Evansville.

“We’ve granted wishes to children in Daviess, Martin and Knox County,” said Jeff Purdue, board member for Granted, formerly known as Wish Upon a Star. “And it’s not just for the child. We send the whole family on these wish trips and continue to provide support until the child turns 18.” Purdue said during the inaugural rappelling event last year, over $271,000 was raised to help make the wishes of children in the region come true. So far, over $280,000 has been raised this year.

“Up until last year, we had the galas and golf outings,” said Purdue, adding most who learn about the unique fundraiser are either all in or a bit skeptical of their ability to rappel.

The CenterPoint Energy building is nine stories high.

“It’s usually,”oh yeah or oh no!” until they start thinking about the challenges and fears some kids and families in our community face each day,” said Purdue. “For a lot of people, at first they think it’s the last thing they would ever want to do. To do the rappelling, they have to raise at least $1,000.” On Saturday, Washington Junior High Principal Mark Arnold as well as Brad Debbie Devine will be facing their fears while raising money for Granted.

“We grant wishes but the heart of program is continuing to support the families,” said Purdue, adding Granted never turns down a wish.

Megan Thomas’ son, Kian, was granted a wish in 2015. Born with cerebral palsy, Kian, is now 12, and has had 21 surgeries since birth.

“We were granted a wish to Give Kids the World,” said Thomas. “It was really a magical experience. Give Kids the World gives children like Kian a chance to be a child and do things like normal children.” Thomas said Kian and the family were able to visit with Disney characters, eat tons of ice cream and experience several accessible theme park rides.

“This allows kids to be kids and we as parents can be worry free for a week. No stress of doctor’s or appointments. It’s like a week of no worries,” said Thomas.

The support doesn’t end after the wish either.

“Granted has tremendously impacted our lives by staying involved with the families they have helped,” she said adding they’ve received gas cards, food cards and have bonded with other families through dinners and support groups. “Granted isn’t just an organization to us. They are our family. “Granted doesn’t stop at granting wishes, they continue to follow Kian on his journey. They really go above and beyond for their families.”

From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. eastern, community members are invited to downtown Evansville to celebrate those raising funds for granted and those who have been granted wishes. Multiple food trucks, a corn hole tournament, virtual rappelling, meet and greet with Star Wars characters, kids games and other activities will take place near the CenterPoint Energy building, 211 N.W. Riverside Drive.
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