First Poker Tournament in Israel Raises Funds for Sick Children's Wishes
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Make-A-Wish Israel held its first poker tournament fundraiser, "ROYAL WISH," with 150 attendees, to grant wishes for children with life-threatening illnesses. The organization has fulfilled over 6,300 wishes since 1996. A 2015 study confirmed wish fulfillment significantly improves children's mental health and quality of life. The event highlighted the power of community and giving.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Make-A-Wish Israel hosted its first poker tournament fundraiser, "ROYAL WISH," with 150 participants.
- The organization has granted approximately 6,300 wishes for children with life-threatening illnesses since 1996.
- A 2015 study showed wish fulfillment significantly reduces distress and improves quality of life for sick children.
- The event aimed to provide hope, joy, and moments of happiness for children facing serious illnesses.
- Niv Sofer called the event a testament to community and the power of fulfilling children's dreams.
Make-A-Wish Israel hosted its first-ever poker tournament fundraising event this week, drawing 150 participants. The event, named "ROYAL WISH," was held in collaboration with the LADIES Poker and Chess School.
Since its establishment in 1996, Make-A-Wish Israel has fulfilled approximately 6,300 wishes for children battling life-threatening illnesses. The organization emphasizes that granting a wish offers these children a crucial respite from treatments and hospitalizations, allowing them to experience joy, hope, and the belief that anything is possible.
A 2015 study conducted in Israel by Professor Anat Shoshani and Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, published in Quality of Life Research, scientifically examined the impact of wish fulfillment on seriously ill children. The research found that children who had their wishes granted experienced significant reductions in distress, anxiety, and depression, along with improved eating, sleeping, and treatment cooperation. The study also noted an increase in hope, positive emotions, and overall quality of life, shifting their perspective from "I am a sick child" to "good things can happen to me too."
Niv Sofer, a co-owner of the LADIES Poker and Chess School along with Rafi Tzvi, described the event as an emotional full circle and a testament to community and giving. He stated, "The poker is just the way, but our ability to connect, do good, and fulfill children's dreams is the real victory."