Giving Back to the Community
Axel's Restaurants has a strong commitment to our communities and is pleased to announce our support of the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Minnesota.
Since 1980, the Make-A-Wish Foundation® has enriched the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions through its wish-granting work. The Foundation's mission reflects the life-changing impact that a Make-A-Wish® experience has on children, families, referral sources, donors, sponsors and entire communities.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation® was founded in 1980 after a little boy named Chris Greicius realized his heartfelt wish to become a police officer. Since its humble beginnings, the organization has blossomed into a worldwide phenomenon, reaching more than 161,000 children around the world.
Although it has become one of the world's most well-known charities, the Make-A-Wish Foundation® has maintained the grassroots fulfillment of its mission.
A network of more than 25,000 volunteers enable the Make-A-Wish Foundation® to serve children with life-threatening medical conditions. Volunteers serve as wish granters, fundraisers, special events assistants and in numerous other capacities.
As the Foundation continues to mature, its mission will remain steadfast. Wish children of the past, present and future will have an opportunity to share the power of a wish®.
Our Wish Children
OUR CURRENT WISH Alexandria, age 3 |
Alexandria is a sweet three-year old girl from Chaska. Alexandria’s favorite sport is swimming, and she loves spending time at the beach with her family when the weather is warm. Alexandria also loves to read, listen to music, and watch movies like Finding Nemo when the chilly Minnesota weather keeps her indoors! Although Alexandria is battling Leukemia, she doesn’t let cancer stop her from doing all the fun things little girls love like dancing, dressing up, playing dolls, having tea parties, and of course, watching the Disney Princesses. One of Alexandria’s greatest wishes will come true when she travels to Disney World to meet the Princesses in person, a special visit many young girls can only dream of. We have created a special dessert for Alexandria – "Alexandria’s Tower" -A decadent milk chocolate brownie with white chocolate chips paired with a “Blondie” brownie mixed with milk chocolate chips; layered with sweet cream filling served in a pool of crème anglaise. 35% of the proceeds from the sale of this dessert will go towards granting Alexandria’s wish. |
WISH GRANTED! Erik, age 16 |
Erik is battling Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and his life has been a struggle. Erik spends more time on homework than most kids because he is also dyslexic, but when he does have spare time, he likes to play video games, build stuff, draw and play on Wii and board games. When he watches TV his favorite program is Hannah Montana and he likes to listen to the music of Miley Cyrus. This adventurous 16 year old from Coon Rapids can’t wait to get away from his normal day to day life, and experience all the thrills of his trip to Sydney, Australia in March this year. We had created a special dessert for Erik –French Silk Pie. 35% of the proceeds from the sale of this dessert went towards granting Erik’s wish. |
WISH GRANTED! Natalie, age 8 |
Natalie is a outgoing eight-year-old from Eagan, MN, who is battling kidney cancer. Natalie loves eating pizza, chocolates, and listening to Britney Spears music. She spends her free time dancing, playing with her school friends and cousins, and kicking around the soccer ball. It is Natalie’s wish to travel to Disney World so she can go on the rides, meet the princesses (especially Mulan and Jasmine), and watch a few of the celebrated Disney parades! We had created a special dessert for Natalie –Apple Galette. 35% of the proceeds from the sale of this dessert went towards granting Natalie’s wish. |
WISH GRANTED! Max, age 17 |
Max is a very easy going and upbeat guy who is battling Hodgkin’s lymphoma. His cancer has not affected his spirit at all and he remains very positive! Max’s passion is music and his wish is very unique and stems from this. In his spare time this outgoing boy plays guitar, drums, keyboard; writes music and plays/mixes recorded music. His favorite music genres are Rap and Rock. When asked why he wants this unusual wish he explains “I want to record the music I have written, JR Rotem sounds like a respectable producer unlike others in that profession, so I look up to him, we like similar music.” We had a special dessert for Max –Key Lime Pie. 35% of the proceeds from the sale of this dessert went towards granting Max’s wish. |
WISH GRANTED! James, age 4 |
James turned four this past February. He lives in Cottage Grove with his parents and little sister and is in remission from bladder cancer. When his Wish Granters interviewed him, almost all his answers included something to do with trains. His favorite TV show is, of course, Thomas the Train! He talked about having a ‘train bedroom.’ His wish was granted. James’ bedroom was turned into a magical train setting that includes a hand painted/designed wall mural with a model train circling around the room up high on a custom-built shelf. We are happy to say James and his family are doing GREAT! We had a special dessert for James - Decadent red velvet chocolate cake with layers of raspberry mousse. 35% of the proceeds from the sale of those desserts went towards granting James' wish. |
WISH GRANTED! Nijahray, age 3 |
Nijahray is an active and talkative 3-year-old from Crystal, MN. Nijahray, who battles a tumor, loves Dora the Explorer, Hannah Montana, the Mall of America, dogs, and spending a lot of time outside. With a love for the outdoors, Nijahray wants more than anything to have a shopping spree. The Make-A-Wish Foundation ® is excited to be part of making this active young girl’s wish come true! We had a special dessert for the holiday season - A warm, homemade apple crisp served ala mode and drizzled with sweet caramel sauce. 35% of the proceeds from the sale of those desserts went towards granting Nijahray's wish. Bonfire Restaurant Company is proud to announce that Nijahray’s wish was granted. Nijahray is battling cancer but forgot about her illness when her wish was granted to have a shopping spree at the Mall of America. Nijahray and her family were taken by limo to the Mall of America for an exciting and entertainment packed day. Her day started at Libby Lu for a makeover and the fun continued with passes to the Nickelodeon Universe indoor park, passes to Underwater Adventures, lunch at The Rainforest Café, Justice Store (clothing for girls) and the family ended the day at Build-A-Bear Workshop. |
