World Wish Day
Posted on May 3, 2010 - Filed Under MAW
Last week, I took part in the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s first ever World Wish Day, a global wish-granting celebration that took place in 35 countries worldwide! Not only was this day special because of the magnitude of the event, but it also marked the 30th anniversary of the first wish that prompted the creation of the organization on April 29th, 1980. I have been granting wishes for the past six years, so I couldn’t be happier to be involved in this monumental event.
For World Wish Day, I granted wishes for two courageous young women. Sarah “Devinn” LaRive and Megan McClain, who have both been diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses, wished to become supermodels for a day and be photographed by yours truly. My team and I were more that happy to make these wishes come true!
I began the week by interviewing with Fox News Strategy Room and Good Day New York to tell them about the important work of the MAW Foundation and the wishes I would be fulfilling for World Wish Day on the 29th. I then assembled a powerhouse “Glam Squad” to be sure that the girls were given first-class styling, hair and makeup. Joining me for the shoot was fashion editor and stylist, Sarah Gore Reeves, makeup artist Robert Greene from See Management and hair stylist Danielle Irene from Artist by Timothy Priano. I can’t thank each of them enough for their stunning work. As you can see in the images, the girls had a blast.
The shoot took place in the beautiful Loft studio at Milk Studios here in New York and was deliciously catered by Elegant Affairs catering services. When the girls arrived on set, my “Glam Squad” was there to meet their families. Immediately after, the girls were ushered into hair and makeup – let the pampering begin! Little did they know that the day was riddled with surprise guests and luxurious gifts! In addition, Newsday’s Kidsday and Teen Vogue stopped by to interview the girls and cover the shoot.
Their first surprise came just as the girls were brought to their dressing room. Awaiting them inside, behind the red tape, were gowns, accessories, shoes, handbags and you name it from Ports 1961, Felix Rey, Alpinestars, Betsey Johnson, Neiman Marcus, Saks 5th Avenue and the Gap (to name a few). As they were dressing, celebrity stylist and Bravo TV personality Robert Verdi stopped by with goodie bags for the girls and mingled with their families. I could tell the girls really loved him.
It was then time to shoot. I took the girls on set and coached them little by little to make them comfortable in front of the camera. Who knew they would be such naturals? They were practically ANTM ready! Notice I said “practically,” because they would soon be getting lessons from their next surprise guest! Mid-shoot, ANTM winner Jaslene Gonzalez stopped by to meet the girls and offer helpful modeling tips. She was a wonderful spirit on set, and I could tell the girls really enjoyed having her guidance. I can’t thank her enough for being a part of this day.
Just as I had the girls comfortable, there was an additional surprise awaiting them that would really send them over the edge. Jeffrey Kolsrud, my good friend and owner of Q Model Management, decided to stop by the studio with five male models. The guys met the girls, took off their shirts and jumped into frame with them. Now, this may not have been an initial part of the girl’s wishes, but I’m sure the ladies didn’t mind the extra male attention!
The final surprise came at the end of the day when the cameras were off and it was time to bid farewell. What the girls didn’t know is that they would be leaving with much more than they came with. Their fitting room was packed with items from the Tanger Outlets at the Arches, Charlotte Russe, J Shoes Inc., Swimwear Anywhere, United Legwear & Underwear, OP, MD Corrective Care, Aveda, Matis Paris, Two Faced Cosmetics, Candies, Badgley Mischka, Eco Nation, Yogaworks and Kipling – and it was all theirs to keep! Needless to say, the girls were thrilled!
World Wish Day was a huge success. I want to thank the foundation and the girls for being so wonderful. I also want to thank all those who donated items, Milk Studios, Elegant Affairs and my amazing production and “Glam Squad” teams. Please check out the images from the shoot.
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6 Responses to “World Wish Day”
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Hello Nigel!
Sorry for my bad english. I am frome Sweden. I just whanted to say that I think you are a good person and a good looking one to. You are so funny in ANTP! I whish you a great day.
// Elin frome Sweden
Hi NIgel,
I think what you did for these girls is the most beautiful thing in the world. To grant a wish to someone that has a life-threatening illness makes you such a great person. Continue your good work!
Christina from Miami, FL
Nigel, all that you do for MAW is awesome. God blesses those who give and want nothing in return. May you continue to be a blessing to others as God continues to bless you.
Megan you looked absolutely beautiful. I can’t wait to see you guys when you make it back to Texas!!
Hi Nigel,
I work for Make-A-Wish Foundation International and wanted to thank you so very much for your support for our Foundation and World Wish Day!What beautiful wishes!
Best wishes always,
Sioban
I personaly know how big of an impackt this was on devinns life this was..being a cheerleader with devinn caused us to be really close it brought us together closer as a squads as we raised monney and strived to help her live. But her on the other hand had nk doubt that with god all things are possible she always told us over and over again that same thing with God all things are possible as a square we had thing we must do..devinns cancer did not stop her from one of the things she loved most cheerleading..our cheer sponser purchesed her a hair for he to sit in when she go tired. I can honestly say she maybe sat in the chair three time the whole football season I love her and always will and I am so happy she got to do this at cheer camp she tOld us all about her plans for college and even the photo shoot..everyone was so Happy that itvwas a dream come true thank you for everything you hAve made possible for this amazing young lAdy