By Taylor J. Hale

Staff Writer

 STEVENS POINT – The fifth annual Jesse Glodowski Memorial fundraiser held at Jordan Bar & Grill raised $11,607 in proceeds to donate to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Wisconsin.

The group held a check presentation event at the local establishment on Aug. 25.

“Raising money to grant a wish to a child is an amazing experience,” said Rachelle Blume, event organizer. “A child is able to escape for a little while and be a kid, hopefully. This cannot be done without the help of the community.”

Jesse Glodowski was a “warm-hearted” young man who passed away in 2015, at the age of 15.

Glodowski suffered from osteosarcoma, and the event held in his memory is meant to help families in need, easing the stresses of coping with severe illnesses.

“Patti Glodowski (Jesse’s mother) mentioned on Sunday that it is healing to talk with other parents with similar experiences,” Blume said.

All of the raised funds will stay in Wisconsin, helping families within the state.

Hannah Gebhardt, age 9, was at the check presentation. Hannah received a wish from the Make-A-Wish Foundation to travel to Disney World in Florida last May. She was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis when she was three weeks old.

“I really enjoyed talking with the Glodowski family,” said Katie Gebhardt, Hannah’s mother. “We went to Disney World in Florida in May for her Make-A-Wish and had an amazing time.”

The annual Jesse Glodowski Memorial Car, Truck and Cycle Show fundraiser is committed to helping families that are battling illness by supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Wisconsin. The fundraiser takes place on the first Sunday of June, each year.