Make-A-Wish is an organization that exists to help create joy by granting wishes to critically ill children. But when 4-year-old Levi Barben from Snyder County, Pennsylvania, made his Wild West dreams known, the Bloomsburg University and Central Columbia FFA Chapter were called upon to help make them a reality.
Levi has cystic fibrosis, which impacts his lungs and causes other health concerns, but he loves all things farm and ranch. His dream trip included a visit to Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. Surrounded by over 100 Bloomsburg University student-athletes, family, and even his pre-K classmates, Levi made that trip.
The other part of his dream, however, required the cumulative efforts of the NCAA Division II Athletic Department’s partnership with Make-A-Wish America and the help of FFA members to make a cowboy-themed extravaganza — named “Levi’s Ranch” — come to life.
“Wish kids are some of the bravest and sweetest kids you’ll ever know,” writes Bloomsburg University’s athletics. “Their innocence and unexpected wisdom stays with you.”
So far, fundraising by the athletes has raised over $10,000 for the foundation and was honored to host the reveal for the second consecutive year. This is the second time in two years that the university was chosen to be part of Make-A-Wish efforts.
“For our student-athletes to step up to that has just been amazing,” Bloomsburg Director of Athletics Michael McFarland told PA Homepage.
On Thursday, the campus underwent a transformation, including cowboy hats, carnival games, and farm animals brought by Central Columbia FFA Chapter members Kiernan Craig, Nadia Flook, Kadence Rhone, Kira Hack, Maggie Fijal, and Katlynn Church. The group brought horses, rabbits, sheep, and a donkey to enhance Levi’s carnival experience, adding to the day’s magic.
“It was pretty scary starting out, but he’s doing really well, and to have everybody here and this experience, it’s just, it’s just a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Lacee Barben, Levi’s mom.
Central Columbia’s FFA chapter is known for its community involvement. Founded in 1942, advisors such as Douglas Brown help to make sure that the diverse group of students have a full slate of opportunities to support their passions and tell their stories.
Volunteering for initiatives like Make-A-Wish holds significant importance for FFA members. It provides them with an opportunity to actively engage with their community and contribute positively to society, fostering a sense of responsibility and service among members.
Through volunteer activities, FFA members develop essential life skills such as leadership, communication, teamwork, and empathy, contributing to their personal growth and preparing them for future endeavors.
By participating in events like Make-A-Wish, members learn to empathize with others’ struggles and develop compassion for those in need. Additionally, volunteering provides opportunities to showcase the values of agriculture, such as generosity, community support, and stewardship of resources, thereby promoting agricultural awareness.
»Related: Central Columbia FFA chapter takes pride in tradition & service