TWIN FALLS — Make-A-Wish Idaho returns to the Magic Valley this Saturday with its annual Walk for Wishes fundraiser, bringing the community together to support children in the region battling critical illnesses.
The event will be held at the Twin Falls Visitor Center, with day-of registration opening at 9:30 a.m. and the walk itself kicking off at 10:30 a.m. The route covers approximately one mile. There is no entry fee to participate, though walkers are encouraged to raise a minimum of $100 to qualify for an official event T-shirt. Registration is open in advance at idaho.wish.org.
Nine Local Children Waiting for Their Wishes
Currently, nine children in the Magic Valley are waiting to have their wishes granted. The most commonly requested wishes among local children are trips to Hawaii and Walt Disney World, though other wishes include a Bahamas vacation, a desire to donate teddy bears to pediatric heart patients, and a Disney cruise experience.
Make-A-Wish Idaho President and CEO Janie Best noted the organization has granted more than 160 wishes in the Magic Valley over its 40-year history. She emphasized that most wish recipients go on to survive their qualifying illnesses and grow into healthy adults, and that wish experiences play a meaningful role in helping children cope with the trauma of chemotherapy or waiting for an organ transplant.
Saturday’s event aims to raise $34,000 — enough to fully fund four of the nine pending wishes from Magic Valley children.
Community Festivities Planned Throughout the Morning
The walk will feature more than just the route itself. Families can expect wish-recipient speeches, performances by the Canyon Ridge High School cheerleaders and marching band, a DJ, and complimentary coffee and donuts. The event is presented by Plant Therapy and Ridley’s Family Markets.
Last year’s Walk for Wishes drew roughly 170 participants despite rainy conditions, demonstrating the community’s commitment to the cause. Organizers are hoping for strong turnout again this year as the organization works to fulfill every wish currently on its Magic Valley list.
For families looking for more community events this weekend, Western Days also comes to Twin Falls, offering additional outdoor activities across the area. Twin Falls continues to see strong community engagement — southern Idaho parks recently recorded more than 430,000 visits, including record attendance at the Minidoka historic site, a sign of the region’s growing appeal for residents and visitors alike.
What Comes Next
The Walk for Wishes Magic Valley event takes place Saturday morning at the Twin Falls Visitor Center. Those who have not yet registered can still sign up the day of the event beginning at 9:30 a.m. Community members who cannot attend in person can still support the effort by visiting idaho.wish.org to donate or learn more about sponsorship opportunities. Make-A-Wish Idaho continues to accept wish referrals for children between the ages of 2½ and 18 who have been diagnosed with a critical illness.