COEUR d'ALENE — The third annual Walk for Wishes North Idaho charity fundraiser at Riverstone Park on Tilford Lane on Saturday was a huge success. 

"We have close to 500 people here — the community has been incredible and has really come out to show their support," said Michelle John, the North Idaho regional manager for Make-A-Wish Idaho. "Everything we are doing here is to raise money for the 14 kids living in North Idaho who need help." 

The event is in conjunction with Make-A-Wish Idaho, a nonprofit that grants wishes to Idaho children with critical illnesses. President and CEO of Make-A-Wish Idaho, Janie Best, was also on hand. She said the organization is celebrating its 40th anniversary. 

"We've been granting life-changing wishes to children throughout the state for all of those years," Best said. "About three years ago, we opened an office in Post Falls that made it a little easier for us to serve kids and families in this area. The community has really come together to support us. That's evidenced today by how many people have shown up." 

Best said many of them are alum families. 

The goal of Saturday's event was to raise $75,000. 

"I think we're going to blow past that," Best said. 

Make-A-Wish Idaho has granted nearly 2,300 wishes over the past 40 years. 

"With the explosive growth that we've had throughout the state, we've granted close to 550 in the last five years," Best said. 

One of those recipients is Joel Iverson, who developed acute lymphoblastic leukemia at the age of 1. He and his family were at Saturday's event. 

"We — Joel's family and friends have come here for the last three years to support him and others," his grandmother, Page Ruch, said. "I think this organization is great. They support kids who have gone through so much." 

Make-A-Wish granted Joel's wish to go to Disney World three years ago. 

"They sent Jolene (mom), Joe (dad) and his sister and brother there for a week," Page said. "They paid for everything. The flight, the hotel, Disneyland — they were there for a week." 

Joel was also at Saturday's event. 

"I'm a cancer survivor, and I'm here today to support everyone here," Joel said. 

John and Laurie Sabral were also on hand to offer their support to all and to take part in the Make-A-Wish Walk. 

"We're part of the Eagles here in Coeur d'Alene, and we do everything we can to give back to the community — help in any way we can," John said. "We've done this the last couple of years, not only donating, but walking in the event itself to show our support." 

Laurie echoed John's comments. 

"I think this is a great event and it's growing," Laurie said. "It's a very important charity, and we love being involved in it." 

    Members of Joel's team are attending the opening ceremonies of the Walk For Wishes North Idaho charity fundraiser. Front row from left are Lincoln Iverson, Joe Iverson, Joel Iverson and Page Ruch. Back row from left are Jolene Iverson, Willow Bowers, Lillian Bowers and Tate Lachance.
  

    Ryan Nitti, part of Team Nitti, raised $3,699 for the Walk For Wishes event on Saturday. His wish to go to Universal Studios came true.
  

    Jaxon Lupton is with Michelle John, the North Idaho Regional Manager for Make-A-Wish Idaho.