After having been crowned Miss Teen North Carolina 2008, Maria Dimopoulos is helping make dreams happen, and some of her own have been granted along that journey.
"More doors have opened for me than ever imaginable. The biggest and best door that God has opened is located in Raleigh, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Eastern North Carolina. The organization has welcomed me with open arms, and I am forever grateful. The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions every forty minutes. Spreading throughout 28 countries and 5 continents, it is the largest wish granting organization in the world. Who knew they would let me join their squad!"
"Teaming up with the foundation, we have immense and amazing plans for the year; I cannot wait to get them started! As the new Make-A-Wish ambassador, I am frequently in and out of the chapter in North Carolina. The stories these wish kids share are truly amazing. I’m often left with the chills, asking the children to tell me more stories about their journey. Many kids wish to travel to Disney World to meet Mickey, or the Princesses, but the unique wishes are my favorite. Children are amazing, and the imagination they posses are magnificent. Wishes have been granted from creating a personalized salad dressing, to designing a new hot wheels car. The possibilities are endless."
The Make-A-Wish Foundation is always looking for new faces, and new volunteers to join the organization. Getting involved is very simple- www.wish.org can locate your local chapter- and lending a helping hand is as easy as donating books, frequent flyer miles, phone cards or suit cases. Some companies or businesses sponsor wishes, these are the true wish granters. Whether you’re giving your time or treasures, the smile granted on a wish kid is the memory that lasts forever.
"As my year of reign continues, I will be busy supporting my platform and meeting children whose stories will impact me for a lifetime. I urge you; share the power of a wish. "
You can visit www.northcarolinainternationalpageants.com for more information on our pageants.
