One Fort Worth woman decided a wish to be granted for a local nonprofit was past due.
The ladies of A Wish with Wings, whose mission is to brighten the lives of Texas children fighting life-threatening medical conditions, received some joy of their own this week. On Thursday, a renovated reception area warmed by ornate lamps and bright, citrus-colored furniture surprised those behind the operation. Rumor has it, in fact, that Mickey and Minnie Mouse can be seen lounging in the space most days.
Lesley Irwin, Community Outreach and Events Manager, was one among the staff who called it a “fabulous surprise.” The crew also said it was a much-needed refresh to the former reception area.
"To say we love it is an understatement," Irwin says.
The renovations were compliments of Susan Semmelmann of Susan Semmelmann Interiors, who thought it was time for the nonprofit to get a wish of its own. Semmelmann says the whole process took about 12 weeks for custom-ordered upholstery and fabrics. She also enlisted the help of family members and Extreme Movers of Fort Worth to help install the fixtures.
“It was a true calling of my heart,” Semmelmann says. “I love to give and share my resources, and when I saw the space in a meeting, being on the Wish with Wings decorating committee, I knew immediately what I needed to do.
"I never once considered this 'work.'"
Over the past 35 years, a Wish with Wings has granted an estimated 1,500 wishes for children and keeps the magic alive with donations received. Check them out at awww.org.
