An RV Make-A-Wish Excursion: Winnebago Industries, RV Retailer, And Make-A-Wish Grant Thomas’ Wish For An Outdoor Adventure

As a Cub Scout, Thomas had a wish for a truly outdoor adventure, including sleeping under the stars. On August 14, this wish came true when Thomas and his family arrived at the Tiger Run Resort in Breckenridge, CO for a five-day long RV experience.

Thomas and his family were able to spend the week in a 2022 Grand Design Imagine RV. This outdoor adventure was made possible by Make-A-Wish, the nonprofit that creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses, in partnership with Winnebago Industries, Inc. and RV Retailer.

Thomas was excited to harness his outdoor skills during his wish, and spent five days exploring nature and taking in the beautiful Colorado scenery while visiting several local parks with his parents and brother. As a train enthusiast, Thomas was also able to ride on the Georgetown Loop Railroad, fulfilling another one of his wishes.

“We had an amazing time,” said Monica Schrank, Thomas’ mom. “The boys loved the RV and all the activities. We are humbled by the amazing opportunity gifted to Tommy.”

Cousins RV, an RV Retailer dealership, and Winnebago Industries teams were excited to work together while outfitting Thomas’ RV with personal touches, including his favorite games and additional treats and camping supplies, while also ensuring the trailer had all necessary elements to meet the parameters of Thomas’ needs for a safe and happy trip.

“RV Retailer is honored to collaborate on this incredible experience,” said Jon Ferrando, CEO and President of RV Retailer. “Our partnership with Winnebago Industries and our stores in Colorado allowed us to supply Thomas and his family with a spacious bunk house RV from Grand Design. They were able to enjoy outdoor exploration together, and we are excited to continue our collaboration with Make-A-Wish to help brave children like Thomas who are battling critical illnesses.”

“We are thrilled to be a partner for this wonderful opportunity to support Thomas and his family,” said Stacy Bogart, Winnebago Industries Senior Vice President, Corporate Responsibility. “Helping families enjoy outdoor exploration is a meaningful goal of ours as an outdoor lifestyle company. Partnering with Make-A-Wish and exceptional dealer partners, such as RV Retailer, allows for more families across the country to have their camping wishes come true.”

This wish was the first wish granted in a recently announced camping experience partnership pilot with Make-A-Wish. The partnership aims to expand to engage more Make-A-Wish chapters and RV dealers across the country over two years.

“The partnership with RV Retailer and Winnebago plays an important role in making sure we can reach more kids like Thomas,” said Richard K. Davis, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish America. “Enabling extraordinary experiences for families is a mutual goal because wishes have proven physical and emotional benefits that can give a child a better chance of surviving and thriving. This life-changing work is only possible with the support of organizations like Winnebago Industries and RV Retailer.”

Learn more about Make-A-Wish and how you can get involved to help kids like Thomas by visiting wish.org.