Feb. 24, 2017
Head coach Stephanie White and the Vanderbilt Women’s Basketball team, along with partner Papa John’s, are helping send a child to Walt Disney World® Resort through Make-A-Wish® Middle Tennessee.
The gift was revealed at halftime of Vanderbilt’s game against Arkansas on Thursday night, when two checks–one from Papa John’s and another from White–were unveiled. During the ceremony, Wish Kid Karly, 5, who has leukemia and is being treated at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, learned that she would be going to Walt Disney World® Resort with her family.
“It was an honor to be a part of last night’s ceremony and partner with Papa John’s to help Make-A-Wish grant Karly the trip of her dreams to Walt Disney World® Resort,” said head coach Stephanie White. “What we do is so much bigger than the game of basketball and granting this wish is a prime example of that. It was a touching moment for all of us, and I am so grateful to have been a part of it.”
Papa John’s presents a check to Make-A-Wish Middle Tennessee to help provide a young girl, Karly, get the trip of a lifetime to Disney World. Coach Stephanie White matched the Papa John’s donation.
Papa John’s has been partnering with Vanderbilt this season by making a donation to Make-A-Wish Middle Tennessee each time the Commodores made a 3-pointer during home games over the past several weeks. Papa John’s then presented a $5000 check during Thursday’s ceremony, and White matched that check with one of her own.
“We’re grateful to have the generous support of folks like Papa John’s and Coach Stephanie White,” said Beth Torres, President & CEO of Make-A-Wish Middle Tennessee. “The dedication and generosity of the Middle Tennessee community allows us to grant more and better wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions.”