OWENSBORO, KY. – The Kentucky Wesleyan College Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) will grant a Wish on Saturday October 7^th during halftime of its football game against Thomas More University. Wesleyan SAAC led Division II in donations to Make-A-Wish last academic year with $10,227. 
 
"We are highly anticipating Saturday," said SAAC President Corina Conley. "To meet Wish Kid Baylor and his family is an excitement we have had for such a long time. There is so much that has gone into preparing for this special moment. Our past and present student-athletes over the last year have put in the time, energy, and determination to make this day possible. What a great pleasure we have to celebrate Wish Kid Baylor and his family! We cannot wait for the opportunity to come together as an institution and a community to support such a great cause like the Make-A-Wish Foundation. We hope to not only make a difference this year, but many years to come."
 
Kentucky Wesleyan was one of the few schools within Division II to surpass $10,000 and grant a wish. Wesleyan SAAC has been working hand-in-hand with Make-A-Wish for the Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana Region. It has been a record year for the region, as they have already granted 1,205 Wishes in 2023. Currently, throughout the state of Kentucky, there are 389 children waiting for a wish, and specifically in Western Kentucky there are 85 children waiting for their wish.
 
The Panthers football program will play Thomas More on October 7^th, kick off is scheduled for 6 PM CT. During halftime of the game, the Wesleyan SAAC Executive Board and its membership will honor the Make-A-Wish Family with the big news, a trip to Disney World. Kentucky Wesleyan SAAC will also setup a station inside Steele Stadium to share the story of Make-A-Wish and the Family being honored later that night. 
 
"Being able to raise money for a foundation this impactful is truly amazing," said Jordyn Barga, SAAC Action Committee Chair. "There is no greater feeling than giving a child a wish. This opportunity is something that our ONE TEAM Community will remember for a lifetime."
 
The Panthers have been praised for their good works throughout the Owensboro community and the Tri-State Region. Wesleyan won its second Great Midwest Athletic Conference Community Engagement Award this summer. The Community Engagement Award is an award conceptualized by the Great Midwest SAAC. The award recognizes an institution within the conference for its success in the community service hours and the impact the contributions have on the community. 
 
Findlay University was the last Great Midwest Athletic Conference member to grant a Wish after a record year of donations to Make-A-Wish during the 2019-20 season. This season Kentucky Wesleyan SAAC has already raised over $1,000 for Make-A-Wish. 
 
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