Key West-based Fury Water Adventures was recently recognized with Make-A-Wish® Southern Florida’s “In-Kind Angel” award at the wish-granting organization’s donor appreciation event in Miami.

For nearly three years, Fury has welcomed “wish kids” to the lower Keys by providing glass bottom boat excursions, sunset cruises, dolphin-watching trips, jet ski tours, parasailing, kayaking, and snorkeling opportunities. They’ve done this, sometimes as often as five times a month, at no cost to Make-A-Wish or the families it serves, enabling the foundation to use those funds to grant additional wishes.

The Southern Florida chapter granted 560 wishes to children who have life-threatening medical conditions, the most in its history, in its recently completed fiscal year. A wish fulfilled is more than just a nice thing for families, it’s a necessary infusion of hope, strength, and joy at a time when it is needed most.

“We’re indebted to everyone who helps us bring happiness into the lives of children and families coping with difficult circumstances,” said Norman Wedderburn, Make-A-Wish Southern
Florida president & CEO. “Fury Water Adventures has enhanced all the wishes it has been part of by creating memories that last a lifetime.”

Fury Marketing Director Eliza Warren was in Miami to accept the In-Kind Angel Award from Make-A-Wish’s outgoing board chair Todd Linden and Wish Coordinator Kim Tabor.

“We feel blessed to be able to give these parents the ability to take their families on a day of carefree fun and adventure,” said Warren. “Having the opportunity to make even one small difference in these children’s lives is priceless.”

Since 1983, Make-A-Wish Southern Florida has granted more than 10,000 wishes to children that have life-threatening medical conditions. Wish kids most often ‘wish to be’ (something), ‘wish to meet’ (someone), ‘wish to go’ (somewhere), or ‘wish to have’ (something) and the nonprofit organization makes this happen for the child and his/her entire family at no cost to them.

The Southern Florida chapter grants a wish every 16 hours, at an average cost of $5,000, and is committed to making a dream come true for every medically eligible child in its territory, which includes 13 Florida counties and the U.S. Virgin Islands. It completes its mission without federal or state funding, raising money through corporate sponsorships, special events, foundation grants, and individual contributions.

For more information, to make a donation, volunteer or refer a child, call (888) 773-WISH or connect at www.sfla.wish.org and on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.