By Evelyn Rossi – Staff Reporter

Jonathan Law’s Raffles For Wishes Club helps raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. 

This club is a nonprofit where tickets are raffled off for $5 to families in the community, and the winner (ages 4-14) gets to participate in a Varsity sports team, at Jonathan Law, for a game. All proceeds made from the raffle go to the Connecticut Make-A-Wish Foundation.

“The best part of this club is the impact it has,” Club President Layla Alogna said. “Other students should join if they want to make a difference in a Wish kid’s life and in the life of the local kid who wins the raffle.”

Alogna, along with Vice Presidents Harshitha Kothapalli and Kayla Markowitz, says their goal for the year is to expand their club and raise more money for the cause. They also hope to raise about $800-$1,200 this year. 

“Other students should join if they want to make a difference in a Wish kid’s life and in the life of the local kid who wins the raffle,” Alogna said. “The more help we get with our club, the more it can grow.” 

Anyone interested in joining this club should know that they meet on E Days in Mr. Beler’s room, Room 43, though the frequency may vary. It is also possible to join their Google Classroom for updates. 

“This club has given me connections, but most importantly, it has shown me the amazing things Make-A-Wish does,” Kothapalli said. “We were invited to Connecticut’s Make-A-Wish headquarters, where we were walked through exactly how a kid’s wish is granted and their experience with Make-A-Wish.” 

The student leaders of the club appreciate and love their roles and reflected on how the club has benefitted them. 

“Raffles for Wishes originated at Daniel Hand High School,” Alogna said. “The founder there was looking to expand, so she reached out to the surrounding schools. We found the message and idea of the club really interesting, so the following school year, we put it into action.”

Raffles for Wishes Advisor Mr. Beler shared his favorite part about Raffles For Wishes. 

“I love the fact that students at Jonathan Law want to give back,” Beler said. I like being involved with motivated leaders, and the three (Alogna, Kothapalli, and Markowitz) that are doing it for such a great cause, I couldn’t say no.”

The club and its leaders do great things, not just for the community, but for those in need.

“This club has made me realize how much we can have an impact on communities and the power of our youth to inspire each other and help people’s dreams come to life,” Markowitz said.