The 2nd Annual Walk for Wishes, hosted at Tres Lagos on September 7, 2024, was nothing short of magical. With perfect weather, a beautiful location and an incredible cause, this year’s 5K was a day to remember. Partnering with Rhodes, Make‑A‑Wish Rio Grande Valley brought the community together to raise funds for children facing critical illnesses. The result was extraordinary. We’re thrilled to share that the 5K raised nearly $60,000! This event’s success is making dreams come true for deserving children in the Rio Grande Valley.
Jonathan Havener, Kate Vaughn, Christopher Vaughn, Nick Rhodes, Alyson Miller, Avinash Samtani at Make‑A‑Wish Walk for Wishes at Tres Lagos, McAllen, TX
Beauty, Community, and Purpose
As the morning sun rose over Tres Lagos, participants gathered with a shared sense of excitement and purpose. The well‑manicured lawns at Tres Lagos’s North Park and the serene lake near Texas A&M all set the perfect backdrop for the Walk for Wishes. 159 participants—runners, walkers, and families—took to the 5K course. Not only did they enjoy the physical challenge, but also the beautiful surroundings and the family fun after the 5K, including vendors, a petting zoo, face painting, a photo booth, and much more!
Luis Escalera, Bib #100, finished first with a time of 17.05 at Make‑A‑Wish Walk for Wishes at Tres Lagos, McAllen, TX
A Cause that Matters
This 5K wasn’t just about exercise, it was about coming together for a cause that matters. A highlight of the day was the heartwarming wish‑granting ceremony for Sophia, a brave young girl with a dream to visit Disney World. Witnessing her pure joy and excitement as her wish came true brought an extra layer of inspiration to an already impactful day.
Wish granting ceremony for Sophia’s after the 5K
Among the many groups taking part was a local walking club, Walkin’ Gals RGV. Several members shared their experience of the day:
“It was really fun seeing a lot of women with their family members. A lot of different ages just supporting this walk!” and “The 5K wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be, especially because I walked it. It was a good time!”
When asked what they would say to someone considering joining next year’s event, a member from the group added:
“Definitely do it! You get to support a good cause, be in community with others and get out of the house!”
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s Vaquero and kids at Make‑A‑Wish Rio Grand Valley’s Walk for Wishes at Tres Lagos, McAllen, TX
A Big Thank You and See You Next Year!
We couldn’t have done it without our amazing volunteers and sponsors, whose support was invaluable. Your hard work, generosity, and dedication helped make this event an enormous success. We’re so grateful to everyone who contributed their time and effort.
With such a fantastic day behind us, we’re already looking forward to the Make‑A Wish Rio Grande Valley’s 3rd Annual Walk for Wishes in 2025! See you next year for another stunning 5K at Tres Lagos, where we’ll continue to make dreams come true.
Stay connected for updates on next year’s event and more exciting community news by following us on Facebook and Instagram.
Becky Gearhart, Andrea Garza, Norma Herrera Marilyn Olivarez, Celina Cantu, Erica de la Cruz at the Make‑A‑Wish Walk for Wishes 5K in McAllen. TXNorma and Armando cutting the ribbon for the Make‑A‑Wish Walk for Wishes 5K in honor of their daughter Ariel.Let’s Go! Make‑A‑Wish Walk for Wishes at Tres Lagos, McAllen, TX 5K participants at Make‑A‑Wish Walk for Wishes at Tres Lagos, McAllen, TX Ruth Tirado and Oscar Chow at Make‑A‑Wish Walk for Wishes at Tres Lagos, McAllen, TX5K participants at Make‑A‑Wish Walk for Wishes at Tres Lagos, McAllen, TX 5K participants at Make‑A‑Wish Walk for Wishes at Tres Lagos, McAllen, TX 5K participant at Make‑A‑Wish Walk for Wishes at Tres Lagos, McAllen, TX Brenda Ocampo and Nolan Wright at the 5K 5K participant at Make‑A‑Wish Walk for Wishes at Tres Lagos, McAllen, TX Jeremy Smith at the Make‑A‑Wish Walk for Wishes at Tres Lagos, McAllen, TX 5K participant at Make‑A‑Wish Walk for Wishes at Tres Lagos, McAllen, TX The Vaquero, Rhodie the Rhino and Rosie ready to celebrate the 5K finishers Rhodie the Rhino and Rosie ready to celebrate the 5K finishersNick and Klaire Rhodes at Make‑A‑Wish Rio Grande Valley Walk for Wishes 2024Wish Level Sponsor, Matt’s Building Materials Team at 5K Joy Level Sponsor, Stonewood Home Lending at 5KHope Level Sponsor, Texas Wood Supply at 5KVolunteers at Make‑A‑Wish Rio Grande Valley Walk for Wishes 2024Becky Gearhart and Misty Martin presenting Sophia’s WishWish granting after the 5KErica de la Cruz presents Sophia’s wish at Make‑A‑Wish Rio Grande Valley Walk for Wishes 2024Volunteers at at Make‑A‑Wish Rio Grande Valley Walk for Wishes 2024Erica de la Cruz and Andrea Garza at Make‑A‑Wish Rio Grande Valley Walk for Wishes 2024Jonathan Havener and Alyson Miller at the Make‑A‑Wish Rio Grande Valley Walk for Wishes 2024Armando Norma and family walking to honor Ariel5K participants at Make‑A‑Wish Walk for Wishes at Tres Lagos, McAllen, TX McAllen Fireman and child at Make‑A‑Wish Rio Grande Valley Walk for Wishes 2024McAllen Fireman and child at Make‑A‑Wish Rio Grande Valley Walk for Wishes 2024Mahi and son at Make‑A‑Wish Walk for Wishes at Tres Lagos, McAllen, TX Celebrating Sophia’s wish granting. McAllen Border Patrol Station Post 1924 volunteering at the 5K Make‑A‑Wish Walk for Wishes at Tres Lagos, McAllen, TX Special thanks to Rhodes Organizers: Anna Walper and Misty Martin At Make‑A‑Wish Rio Grande Valley Walk for Wishes 2024
