Wings, Wheels and Wishes Cruising for a Cause!

Looking for some uplifting fun for the whole family?  The annual Wings, Wheels and Wishes fly-in and car show is an inspiring event that everyone will enjoy.

In its fifth year, the fundraiser for Make-A-Wish Foundation will be on Aug. 21, in Collinsville, at Airman Acres, 12600 N. 73rd E. Ave., from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Guests can enjoy fly-ins, a car show, food vendors, ice cream, sno-cones, a live DJ, raffle, silent auction and more, all free to the public!  Flight enthusiasts can experience general aviation with a broad range of exhibits, including antique and modern planes, helicopters and other flying machines.  The car show portion of the event will host approximately 100 registrants, with some classics, customs and more to view.  Registration for the car show begins at 8 a.m. until 10 a.m., with a $25 participation fee.  Trophy presentation is at 1:30 p.m.  Airplane rides will be available for thrills, with a $25 ticket price. Ticket sales for plane rides will begin at 9 a.m., are first come-first serve, with a limited amount available.

The event in its entirety has proven to be a large fundraiser for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and last year’s proceeds netted $20,000, providing at least three children with chronic or terminal illnesses the wish of their dreams. Event organizer, Cindi Conner, is “all in” on ensuring the event is a success each year. “This is something I get to do in memory of my own kid,” she said. “That day I get to talk about him, and remember him.” Wings, Wheels, and Wishes was created and continues in his loving memory.

Cindi found her connection to Make-A-Wish when her son, Bill, was a recipient in 2005.  That year, at age 12, he received his wish of the coolest, big, yellow school bus, with the inside converted into a playhouse. It was filled with all of his favorite things. Visitors to the event can see the bus, and climb aboard and explore what’s inside. “When I have the bus out there, and all of his stuff in it, I get to share that with people and talk about it,” said Cindi. “I’ll never get rid of this bus, so it’s good for it to have a purpose, and share it with others.”

Bill was 18 when he passed away, and would be 28 years old today. “He was always all about cars and driving, even at an early age,” said Cindi. “When he was really little, he loved keys and as he got older, he started reading car manuals for fun.” Bill was afflicted with illness from the time he was born, but never let it get him down. “He had a sarcastic sense of humor too, and he loved oldies music. He was such an old soul,” Cindi said. “When I look around at the event, and see all of the people there working together for this cause, it’s really heartwarming for me.”

For more information, visit the Wings, Wheels and Wishes Facebook page @wings.wheels.wishes or call Cindi at (918) 510-3423.