Make-A-Wish got its start after a little boy in Phoenix who was battling leukemia wanted to be a police officer, and the community came together to make his wish come true.

The Make-A-Wish Michigan chapter would eventually follow, and in 1987, four friends challenged each other to a 300-mile bike ride from Canton to Mackinac. It would turn into Make-A-Wish Michigan’s largest annual fundraising event, Wish-A-Mile Bicycle Tour (or “WAM”).

Every year, cyclists from all over come together for a variety of events and in a variety of ways: WAM 300, WAM 50, WAM Jr., as a virtual participant, or as a volunteer. Funds raised help to make once-in-a-lifetime wishes happen for kids in our community who are facing critical illnesses.

Since Make-A-Wish Michigan began in 1984, the group has granted more than 10,000 wishes. And according to the WAM website, almost 400 Michigan kids are waiting for their turn. Wright Beamer is looking forward to sponsoring a longtime friend in this weekend’s Wish-A-Mile Bicycle Tour. Information about getting involved or supporting the event can be found online.