AUGUST 23, DUXBURY, MA – Goodrich Lumber, along with a number of other organizations, recently donated building materials to United Civil, who partnered with Make-A-Wish® Massachusetts and Rhode Island in making a young girl’s wish come true. Elizabeth “Libby” Shepard, 8, who is battling lymphoblastic leukemia, recently celebrated the granting of her wish; a Walt Disney World-inspired Swiss Family Robinson style treehouse, a place where she can find respite, play with her siblings and friends, and dream about future adventures.
To create Libby’s dream treehouse, United Civil and Make-A-Wish® Massachusetts and Rhode Island worked with numerous partners who donated in-kind goods and services. It was an ambitious undertaking, and we can’t thank our partners and vendors enough who stepped up with generous contributions.
“It was an ambitious undertaking, and we can’t thank all those who stepped up with generous contributions enough,” said Michael Dell Isola of United Civil, whose son Christopher was a Make-A-Wish recipient in 2004.
The United Civil team put incredible effort into every detail of the treehouse. From the design concept with architectural partner Silverman Trykowski Associates, Inc. to the specially sourced synthetic thatched roof and the carefully curated antique decorations. UNITED CIVIL CARES is the construction firm’s charitable giving program and supports several charities.
Sean Holleran and George Deveney Sr. (of Make-A-Wish® Massachusetts and Rhode Island) presented this opportunity to help them bring a unique project to life, and we jumped at the chance. Our company has been fortunate, and we’re proud to include philanthropy in our mission to make a difference. Libby’s courage and hope are similar to the fictional Robinson family’s challenges. They survive a pirate attack, violent ocean storm, and shipwreck, washup on an uninhabited island, then salvage parts from the wreckage to create a safe, joyful home; it’s inspiring for us all”, said Dell Isola.
Make-A-Wish® Massachusetts and Rhode Island relies on the community’s generosity to continue their wish-granting work. Their vision is to reach every medically eligible child with the power of a wish. For children like Libby facing critical illnesses, a fulfilled wish provides profound joy, renewed strength and resiliency, and lasting hope to keep striving and dreaming for the future. The organization will celebrate its 40th Anniversary in 2023.