Bloomsburg University and Central Columbia FFA helps fulfill child’s cowboy Make-A-Wish dream
Make-A-Wish is an organization that helps bring happiness to children who are seriously ill by fulfilling their desires. But when Snyder County, Pennsylvania 4-year-old Levi Barben expressed his desire to live out his Wild West fantasies, Bloomsburg University and the Central Columbia FFA Chapter were asked to assist in making those wishes come true.
Despite having cystic fibrosis, which affects his lungs and results in further health issues, Levi adores all things related to farms and ranches. A visit to Wyoming's Yellowstone National Park was part of his ideal journey. Levi made the trip surrounded by more than a hundred student-athletes from Bloomsburg University, family, and even his kindergarten classmates.
But to realize the second half of his desire, a cowboy-themed spectacular called "Levi's Ranch" needed the combined efforts of the NCAA Division II Athletic Department's association with Make-A-Wish America and the assistance of FFA members.
The athletic department of Bloomsburg University states, "Wish kids are some of the bravest and sweetest kids you'll ever know." "You are left with their unexpected wisdom and innocence."
The athletes have so far earned over $10,000 for the foundation through fundraising, and it was an honor to host the reveal for the second year in a row. The university has been selected to participate in Make-A-Wish initiatives for the second time in the last two years.
Director of Athletics at Bloomsburg University, Michael McFarland, told PA Homepage, "It has just been amazing for our student-athletes to step up to that."
Kiernan Craig, Nadia Flook, Kadence Rhone, Kira Hack, Maggie Fijal, and Katlynn Church, members of the Central Columbia FFA Chapter, brought farm animals, carnival games, and cowboy hats to the campus on Thursday. The organization added to the excitement of the day by bringing donkeys, horses, rabbits, and lambs to Levi's carnival experience.
Levi's mother, Lacee Barben, said, "It was pretty scary starting out, but he's doing really well, and to have everybody here and this experience, it's just, it's just a once-in-a-lifetime experience."
The FFA chapter in Central Columbia is renowned for its involvement in the community. Established in 1942, mentors like Douglas Brown ensure that the varied student body has ample opportunities to pursue their interests and share their narratives.
For FFA members, volunteering for programs such as Make-A-Wish is very important. It gives individuals a chance to actively participate in their community and make a positive impact on society, encouraging members to feel a feeling of duty and service.
FFA members gain valuable life skills via voluntary labor, including empathy, teamwork, leadership, and communication. These qualities help them grow personally and get ready for their future aspirations.
Members gain sympathy for those in need and an understanding of others' problems by taking part in activities like Make-A-Wish. Furthermore, volunteering offers chances to demonstrate agricultural principles like resource stewardship, community service, and kindness, which raises awareness of the industry.
