SJVC Supports Make-A-Wish at the 2025 Gala of Wishes

On Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, San Joaquin Valley College (SJVC) and our sister school, Carrington College, contributed $10,000 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation during the Northeastern & Central California chapter’s “2025 Gala of Wishes” event in Fresno, California. This event, dedicated to granting life-changing wishes for children facing critical illnesses, was a night filled with hope and heartfelt generosity.

Nick Gomez, President of SJVC, took the stage to express the colleges’ commitment to uplifting communities beyond the classroom. In his speech, he reflected on how Make-A-Wish and SJVC share a common mission to turn aspirations into reality—whether through education or granting wishes that bring joy and strength to children during difficult times.

“We are inspired by the stories of two very special kids, Paisley and Michael, who are here with us tonight,” Gomez said. “Michael, we heard you have a special love of trains. At SJVC, our students and faculty are honored to share a miniature train made out of sheet metal, created just for you.”

A Special Surprise for a Young Train Enthusiast

One of the most touching moments of the evening came when Ron Gardner, Campus Director of the SJVC Fresno TEC campus, presented a handcrafted model train to Michael Madrid, one of the night’s highlighted Wish Kids. Two SJVC Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) students joined him to personally give the model to Michael, who was thrilled to receive the gift.

Michael, a five-year-old with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL), has shown incredible strength since his diagnosis on his fifth birthday. Despite the challenges of treatment, Michael’s passion for trains has remained unwavering. Especially the Union Pacific Big Boy 4014, a legendary steam locomotive he’s always dreamed of seeing.

When SJVC’s AMT students learned about Michael’s love for trains, they saw an opportunity to do something special. Using their training in sheet metal fabrication, students meticulously crafted a wall-mounted replica of Big Boy 4014, blending their passion for aviation with Michael’s love for locomotives. This labor of love became a symbol of encouragement for Michael as he continues his courageous journey.

A Night to Remember: Volunteers Share Their Experience

The event wasn’t just meaningful for the Wish Kids—it was an unforgettable experience for the SJVC students, faculty, and staff who volunteered at the Gala. Many shared their reflections on what the night meant to them:

“Overall, it was an amazing experience. My two roles assigned were a backup photographer and a spotter. My favorite part of my whole night had to be the bidding for sure! It was super fun, and seeing many people trying to change lives made my heart melt. It was a wholehearted and wholesome experience! I would love to volunteer again.” – Gisel C., Clinical Medical Assisting student

“Some highlights of the event were being able to help with my friends and seeing such a significant amount of money raised for the Make-A-Wish children. I overall had a great time volunteering, and I am glad I signed up. My instructor said she was proud of us, and that felt really good.” – Maresa A., Clinical Medical Assisting student

“The event coordinators, the venue staff, volunteers, and guests were all very kind. It was refreshing to see the Make-A-Wish Foundation staff orchestrate behind the scenes and the venue staff professionally fulfill their duties. Presentations and cocktail attire beautifully ranged from semi-formal to formal, however, kindness, compassion, and generosity are what truly made this event successful.” – Christina Fernandez, Pharmacy Technology faculty

Making a Lasting Impact

The contribution and handcrafted model train weren’t just gifts. They were acts of hope, resilience, and community support. Michael’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact Make-A-Wish has on children and their families. While he continues his treatment, his wish will serve as a beacon of positivity, allowing him to focus on something beyond hospital visits.

“At SJVC and Carrington College, we believe that dreams are worth fighting for—whether they belong to a student pursuing a career or to a child battling an illness,” Gomez emphasized. “These wishes are not just moments of joy—they are milestones of hope.”

The Make-A-Wish 2025 Gala of Wishes was a testament to the power of generosity and compassion. SJVC and Carrington College remain steadfast in their mission to support not just their students, but the communities they serve. Through education, philanthropy, and acts of kindness, they continue to create opportunities and inspire dreams—one wish at a time.

For Michael and all the other Wish Kids, this night was about more than just donations; it was about believing in the power of dreams and the strength of the human spirit.