Young Adults of Gatehouse Academy
Support the Make a Wish Foundation

The residents of Gatehouse Academy, a long-term drug rehab for young adults, have raised more than $30,000 by participating in the annual Walk for Wishes over the last two years. This fundraiser benefits the Make a Wish Foundation which grants wishes to children with life threatening illnesses.

The Make a Wish Foundation is very close to the heart of Gatehouse Academy. Several years ago, the daughter of one of the staff members, Lisa Rivers, was granted a wish by the foundation. Lisa's daughter, Haylee, passed away in 2005. The students of Gatehouse take part in this walk not only to keep Halyee's memory alive, but to give back and help fulfill the wishes of other children.

"There is a sense of camaraderie that is created this time of year," says Lisa Rivers, Finance Manager of Gatehouse Academy. "The residents vote on a team name and even design t-shirts. It is wonderful to see how empowered they become when they have the experience of helping others."

This is the second consecutive year that Gatehouse Academy young adults have taken part in the walk-a-thon. Each resident solicited donations from staff members, their families, and were even able to donate money that they had earned. Each year Gatehouse has raised over $15,000, for a grand total of over $30,000 donated. The Foundation reports that the cost associated with coordinating a wish varies, but as of August 31, 2005, the average cost of a wish was nearly $6,200. This means that through the efforts of Gatehouse Academy at least four children have lived out their wishes.

Gatehouse is grateful to Lisa Rivers for making this opportunity available and to all of the staff, residents, friends, and families who support the cause. For more information on the Make a Wish Foundation and their "Walk for Wishes" events, visit www.makeawish.org.

About Gatehouse Academy:
Gatehouse Academy is a long-term residential drug and alcohol facility exclusively for young adults age 17 - 25. Residents learn life skills, attend therapy, continue formalized education, enhance physical well-being, and recover from the effects of alcohol & drug abuse through focused 12 Step Recovery. For more information on Gatehouse Academy visit www.gatehouseacademy.com or call toll free 888-966-4800.