Make-A-Wish grants Gulfport woman's dream. April 6, 2026 by Trei Johnson Your support helps Thegabber tell Gulfport's stories. Now, more than ever, Thegabber need your help to keep The Gabber Newspaper alive. Its survival depends on readers like you. A Gulfport dock became the setting for something bigger than a boat ride on March 24. Instead, it became a moment of freedom. At Gulfport Mariner's Cove, a surprise celebration unfolded as the Make-A-Wish Foundation partnered with Freedom Boat Club to grant 20-year-old Stephanie Evers a one-year boating membership. As a result, she and her family can now spend more time on the water without the cost of ownership. A love for the water. For Stephanie, the wish was simple. She wanted to be on the water. "She's all about the treasure," her mother, Katerina Evers, said. "That's her thing - we're always looking." However, that sense of adventure follows a difficult beginning. Stephanie, who is adopted, faced significant medical and developmental challenges early in life. "When she came to us, she could hardly talk," Katerina said. "But she flourished." Now, Stephanie has graduated high school and is eager to explore new experiences. Most importantly, she wants to spend time outside, on the water, discovering something new. A family built on resilience. At the center of Stephanie's journey is her family. Katerina and Brad Evers have built a household of 14 children - 12 adopted and two biological. Together, they have created a home focused on care, patience, and opportunity. "She's had a tough start, but she's doing so well now," Brad said. "She's thriving and wants to try new things." Meanwhile, the family already spends time near Treasure Island, taking trips to nearby islands. In the future, they hope to try scalloping - something none of them has done before. More than a membership. Through the partnership, Freedom Boat Club provided a 12-month membership. Consequently, the family now has access to more than 400 locations worldwide, including 32 across Tampa Bay. For the company, the decision reflects more than business goals. "It's the right thing to do," General Manager Les Ares said. "When you hear a story like this and realize her wish is simply to be on the water, you want to make that happen." Even so, the emotional impact surprised many involved. "When you see their faces, it's amazing," Ares said. "There wasn't a dry eye on the dock." What this wish really means. Ultimately, the membership offers more than access to boats. It creates opportunities - for family outings, new experiences, and lasting memories. "She isn't picky about the boat," Brad said. "As long as she's in it." Now, the wish doesn't end at the dock. It begins every time she steps onto the water, chasing the treasures she's always dreamed of finding. The Gabber Newspaper? Yeah, Thegabber go there. Did you know: In 1968, its founder, George Brann, started The Gabber Newspaper, then called the Gulfport Gabber, to hold Gulfport City Council accountable. Read more of its city council coverage, and learn about its policies on reporting, fact-checking, and funding. Get all your Gulfport and Tampa Bay beaches news and things to do at thegabber.com. The Gabber needs your help to keep serving its community.

Ravenwood High students grant 6-year-old's Disney wish. * By Kelly Mayo - Staff Reporter * Apr 6, 2026 Updated Apr 6, 2026 * 0 * 2 min to read Ravenwood High School students granted a 6-year-old girl's wish in royal fashion during the school's annual Make-A-Wish event on Thursday, April 2. Blayne Nash and her family attended an assembly in the school gym, during which they found out they were going to Disney World. Students raised $25,000 throughout the school year to pay for the trip. After performances by the Mr. RHS Dancers and the student duo Emily and Sam, students dressed as Disney princesses, princes and other characters greeted Blayne and her family, flanked by members of the JROTC with swords drawn. The students then hosted a tea party for the family in the school library. Blayne has mucopolysaccharidosis type 1, also known as MPS-1 or Hurler Syndrome. It is a rare hereditary genetic disorder in which the body does not have enough enzymes to break down sugar molecules, which can cause skeletal abnormalities and cognitive development issues, among other symptoms. Blayne, her parents Michael and Courtney, her younger brother Hank and her grandparents all wore shirts to the assembly that advocated for a cure for MPS-1. The event marked the 17th year of RHS' partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which started when a freshman named Charlton Cratz was diagnosed with leukemia. Cratz's classmates raised money for him and his family to go to New York City to see the Dave Matthews Band in 2009. He died a few weeks after the trip, and the school started granting wishes to local Make-A-Wish kids in his memory. Student-planned efforts like the Mr. RHS pageant and the Christmas Wish event raise money for the annual Make-A-Wish goal. Stephanie Dykes, a math teacher who serves as advisor for Make-A-Wish-related events, described the impact a granted wish has on families. "[Cratz's] parents told me later that the trip, for them, meant the world because they could just pause," she said. "They didn't have to worry about doctor's appointments or what the future may hold, and they could just be together." Beth Torres, president and chief executive officer of Make-A-Wish Middle Tennessee, said RHS has raised $237,000 to grant wishes since the partnership began. Assistant Principal Reggie Mason said this year's Make-A-Wish event was a "full-circle moment" for Michael Nash, who graduated from RHS in 2009. "This started because the community came together for a child who was going through a tough time," Mason said. "Now we get to support him, support his family and support his daughter." Nash agreed with Mason's statement. "Honestly, it's so surreal being invited back here after so many years," he said. "It's definitely full-circle." As for their plans for Disney World, Courtney Nash said, "I'm sure Blayne will have it all planned when we get there." RHS student Lilly Smith, who dressed as Merida from the Disney movie "Brave," said participating in the senior privilege of dressing up for the Make-A-Wish event meant a lot to her. "I have a lot of younger siblings," she said. "It's really sweet to help someone out, especially when we have the resources to do it." Seniors Lauren Anderson and Jenna Hammoud, who dressed as Princess Aurora from "Sleeping Beauty" and Princess Jasmine from "Aladdin," respectively, said the event was meaningful to them, too. "It's empowering and exciting to be able to give her what she wants, and that she be able to get a break from everything," Hammoud said. Anderson added that in addition to helping the Nashes, the event reminded her of her own love for the Disney princesses as a child. "It shows her that she's loved and seen by people," she said.

United Airlines creates holiday magic with fantasy flights. It's 4/4, time to Make a wish: United & Make-A-Wish to host 'Make More Wishes' events across nation, giving wish kids behind-the-scenes access to aviation. April 4, 2026Corporate Social Responsibility Airline plans 2026 events on May 5 (5.5), June 6 (6.6), July 7 (7.7), August 8, (8.8), September 9 (9.9), October 10 (10.10), and November 11 (11.11) United honors 40 years of supporting Make-A-Wish as the airline celebrates its 100th anniversary with immersive experiences across hub airports CHICAGO, April 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - United Airlines and Make-A-Wish today announced the launch of "Make More Wishes," seven immersive events across the U.S. giving children fighting critical illnesses and their families behind-the-scenes access to all aspects of aviation. The immersive experiences at each of United's hubs may include opportunities to spend time in flight simulators, experience inflight training for United's Flight Attendants, visit the ramp and Station Operation Centers, meet with pilots and more. When a month and day share a number, it's often considered a good time to make wishes or set an intention. Make More Wishes events will take place at each of United's seven hubs, culminating in United's hometown, Chicago, on 11/11, a day widely considered a symbolic moment to make a wish. * May 5, 2026 - Houston George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) Airport * June 6, 2026 - Washington Dulles International (IAD) Airport * July 7, 2026 - Denver International (DEN) Airport * August 8, 2026 - Newark Liberty International (EWR) Airport * September 9, 2026 - Los Angeles International (LAX) Airport * October 10, 2026 - San Francisco International (SFO) Airport * November 11, 2026 - Chicago O'Hare International (ORD) Airport "For 40 years, United has helped make thousands of wishes possible, building a legacy rooted in compassion, connection and impact," said Kate Gebo, United's Executive Vice President of Human Resources and Labor Relations and Make-A-Wish America national board member. "As we celebrate 100 years at United, we're expanding and deepening our commitment to these Make-A-Wish families by providing access to experiences and passions in addition to fulfilling wishes." "When a child with a critical illness travels for their wish, it can be a powerful moment for the entire family, often the first time they've felt hope in months," said Leslie Motter, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish America. "For 40 years, United's pilots, flight crews, employees, and customers have helped make those moments possible. Through travel and the Miles on a Mission(SM) program, United helps bring comfort, ease stress, and support the emotional well-being of children and families during an incredibly difficult time, helping more kids reach the place where their wish comes true." A Legacy of Impact Over more than four decades, United Airlines has partnered with Make-A-Wish to help grant life-changing travel wishes for children with critical illnesses. More than 75 percent of wishes involve travel, and United plays a critical role in making them possible with hundreds of wish families flown annually across its global network. Beyond flights, United employees volunteer their time to support families throughout the travel journey, as well as at wish events, fundraisers, and local chapter activities. From assisting families during travel to creating personalized send-offs and assembling Kynd Kits filled with comfort items and gifts, employees deliver support at every step of the journey. Its Customers' Impact United customers can join in supporting Make-A-Wish by donating miles or money through United's Miles on a Mission. MileagePlus(R) members can donate unused miles directly to Make-A-Wish, while customers can also make monetary donations. More than 10 million miles are donated each year through the Miles on a Mission platform. April is World Wish Month - the time of year when Make-A-Wish invites the world to join its mission. Wishes wouldn't be possible without the dedication and generosity of WishMakers of all kinds who take action for wish kids and make life-changing wishes come true. United will match customer donations up to 1 million miles through April 30, 2026, doubling the impact and helping grant even more life-changing wishes. Customers can become a MileagePlus member for free to begin earning and donating miles immediately. About United At United, Good Leads The Way. With U.S. hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington, D.C., United operates the most comprehensive global route network among North American carriers and is now the largest airline in the world as measured by available seat miles. For more about how to join the United team, please visit www.united.com/careers and more information about the company is at www.united.com. United Airlines Holdings, Inc., the parent company of United Airlines, Inc., is traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol "UAL". SOURCE United Airlines Media package. Related releases.