CASPER, Wyo. — A Cheyenne resident has been selected as Make-A-Wish Wyoming’s 2022 “Volunteer of the Year.”
Sandi Riley was first recognized as Volunteer of the Year during Make-A-Wish Wyoming’s “Stories of Light Gala” in November, the nonprofit said in a press release Tuesday. Riley has volunteered with Make-A-Wish Wyoming for 11 years and has helped fulfill the wishes of 13 kids.
“A wish impacts the lives of wish kids, their families, our communities, and the people who make a wish happen through their generous support of our mission,” Make-A-Wish Wyoming said. “Sandi is a wish mom herself and she will never forget what Make-A-Wish Wyoming did for her family.”
Riley’s experience with her own family gives her a special connection to the other families she has helped, Make-A-Wish Wyoming’s announcement of her award said.
“I wanted to give back as a volunteer, but I felt like I had so much more to give because I knew firsthand what these families were going through,” Riley said. “It’s so rewarding being a volunteer, from having had a child with cancer of my own, to meeting other wish families and kids and seeing their smiling faces when the wishes are granted.
“I’m totally honored and thankful. This was never expected. My heart was so full being honored as Volunteer of the Year at the gala as well as seeing the wish kids’ smiling faces and having fun. So to be a part of that and be named Volunteer of the Year was just amazing.”
Make-A-Wish Wyoming has volunteer opportunities available in Casper and Gillette, the announcement added.
“Volunteers get to the heart of the child’s wish and guide them on their wish journey from being the first person they meet with Make-A-Wish to creating a wish celebration for them when their wish is granted,” the release said. “Visit www.wish.org/wyoming/volunteer to learn about opportunities and to apply.”
