This summer, as part of her Make-A-Wish experience to visit the historic city of Newport, a 15-year-old girl from Virginia with a nervous system condition was given the key.
Isobel, a Virginia Make-A-Wish recipient, went to Newport with her parents, Margaret and Phillip, and her 16-year-old brother, Jacob, to satisfy her desire to see historical landmarks. Her urge to visit Newport sprang from her love of history and her passion for reading.
At a private reception at Hotel Viking, Newport Mayor Charlie Holder gave Isobel the key to the city while meeting with her and her family.
One of my favorite things about becoming Mayor of Newport, Holder added, was getting to meet Isobel and her family. Isobel is a bright, vivacious young woman, and I greatly respect her for the way she has overcome her obstacles.
As he handed Isobel the key, Holder assured her that she would always have a second home in Newport. As she accepted the honor, the teenager was overcome with emotion.
Isobel took a sunset cruise, had afternoon tea at Hotel Viking, and explored The Breakers home during her six-day visit.
The family spent their entire stay at Hotel Viking, a longtime sponsor of Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
According to Robin Tosto, the hotel’s director of group sales, “community is the foundation of Hotel Viking and Make-A-Wish is such an integral part of ours.” Our Hotel Viking Family is always impacted by the wish kids we get to work with.
In-kind donations from nearby companies, such as Cutie Curls, The Lobster Shack, and Discover Newport, helped to fulfill the dream.
Create a Wish Together with Make-A-request Massachusetts and Rhode Island, Greater Virginia granted Isobel’s request.
The Newport community’s response, according to Michael Vieira, vice president of advancement for Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island, showed how wishes can motivate whole towns.
Create a Wish Over 10,500 requests have been fulfilled by Massachusetts and Rhode Island since its establishment 40 years ago. This summer, between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the charity hopes to fulfill 120 wishes.
More from What’sUpNewp
Morning Notes: Fitz and the Tantrums to headline International Tennis Hall of Fame concert
Kenny Loggins takes Newport by storm!
SNACKTIME rocks Newport Folk Festival, perform with Choir School of Newport County
Obituary: Aaliyah Hightower
There was a problem. Please try again or refresh the page.
