Plainfield Girl Launches Fundraiser for Make-A-Wish Foundation

She may be just 10 years old, but she’s determined to make a difference.

Matthew Hill said his stepdaughter, Samantha, attempted to enter a fundraiser earlier this year, but was told she was too young. So the Wesmere Elementary School student decided to launch her own benefit, choosing the Make-A-Wish Foundation as the recipient.

With a goal of raising $3,000, the youngster and her family will host the Saturday, Aug. 4, at the Wesmere Clubhouse, 2101 Wesmere Lakes Dr., .

“This is the first thing we’ve ever done like this,” said Hill, who will be joined at the event by fiancée Mindy Pardo and the couple’s sons, as well as 10-year-old Samantha.

The 5K run/walk will kick off with registration at 9:30 a.m. The walk begins at 10 a.m. Registration fees are $30 per family, $12 per individual adult or $8 per individual child (ages 10 and younger).

The event will also include an appearance by Staley da Bear, a bounce house and raffle prizes including Chicago White Sox tickets, spa packages and gym memberships.

A post-walk pool party is also scheduled for 8 to 10 p.m., Hill said.

Participants can register online at the event website or contact Pardo at 815-690-7230 or mindypardo@gmail.com.

Those who can’t attend the Aug. 4 event can make donations online by clicking here.