One family in Texas is bringing joy and happiness to children with critical illnesses by raising money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation through their yearly Christmas lights display. According to Southern Living, The Maywald Christmas Light Display in Austin, Texas raised over $80,000 this holiday season which will fund 10 wishes. Drawing 15,000 visitors to their display just this year alone, the Maywald’s dedication to creating a one-of-a-kind light show experience is fueled by their heartwarming enthusiasm to make dreams come true for children.
Jordan Maywald has been leading the creation of the light display since he was just nine years old when it all began in his family’s front yard. Now, he is 23 and the display covers about 3.5 acres of property. In 2019, the Maywald Christmas Light Display won ABC’s The Great Christmas Light Fight which made Jordan the youngest winner to have ever won the competition. Winning the competition has allowed their light show to become famous, bringing in more donations for the Make-A-Wish foundation, which they began collecting several years ago.
While their Christmas lights spectacular brings joy to visitors, the Maywald’s are grateful to be able to give back to the community, helping children in need and raising awareness of the Make-A-Wish foundation. According to Southern Living, “to date, the display has raised nearly $200,000 and granted 27 wishes. Each time a wish is granted, Jordan adds a reindeer to the mix.”
The Make-A-Wish Foundation was established to change the lives of children with critical illnesses. According to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, “a wish can be that spark that helps these children believe that anything is possible and gives them the strength to fight harder against their illnesses. This one belief guides us and inspires us to grant wishes that change the lives of the kids we serve.” Making dreams come true for these children not only gives them one-of-a-kind experiences, but surrounds them with people who care about and are praying for them.
Jordan shares that he found the meaning of Christmas to be in the joy it brings to these children whose lives are undoubtedly changed as a result of having their wishes granted. With the perfect motivation to keep his show going strong, Jordan is remaining committed to putting up the Maywald’s Christmas light extravaganza each year. With the astounding success of their fundraising efforts, the Maywald’s are looking forward to granting even more wishes for more children who will surely feel the love and blessings of all who have donated.