Supporting the community is a core value at Associated Food Stores, and over the past several weeks, they partnered with Make-A-Wish® Utah to raise funds that help grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. 

This year’s campaign raised $84,943.73, $3000 more than last year’s total. Team members at Macey’s, Lin’s, Dan’s, Dick’s Market, and Fresh Market helped lead the effort, collecting donations in-store and online. Each location focused on a local Wish Kid, encouraging guests to support the cause. 

“The Make-A-Wish drive is something our team looks forward to every year,” said Greg Welling, vice president of retail operations at ARO. “As a local company, we’re proud to support causes that directly impact the families in our communities. This partnership gives us the opportunity to bring hope to children when they need it most.” 

Cashiers at Lin’s Cedar, Price, Macey’s Holladay and Dick’s Market Centerville received the most donations and won various prizes.

Macey’s Olympus was the top selling store, raising almost $9,000. They also had the opportunity to host the Wish Proclamation and check presentation party—an event where a local child learns that their wish is officially coming true. Read the story here. The Macey’s Olympus team had a challenge with their store leadership and the CRM Team, that if they were the top selling store, they could throw pies at them. The pie throwing event happened on July 1.  

During the campaign, several stores hosted visits from Wish Kids, who participated in activities such as cupcake decorating, making announcements over the PA system, and sharing favorite family recipes. These personal experiences helped connect the team and community to the mission in a memorable way. View a video sharing Macey’s Provo visit with a Make-A-Wish child here. 

“Our team has always loved what Make-A-Wish represents, and I appreciate how fun they make the campaign,” said Candice Fischer, director of customer relations management at ARO. “Getting to meet the kids and see their excitement is something truly special. It makes the campaign feel personal for our stores and our guests.”

Since partnering with Make-A-Wish, Associated Food Stores has raised enough funds to help grant more than 150 wishes for children.