Melissa Justice, Broker/Owner of EXIT Justice Realty in Sumiton, AL, had personal experience with Make-A-Wish as a past volunteer. This year she chose to help by participating in the annual Trailblaze Challenge, where participants from all over the state hike 26.3 miles of the Pinhoti Trail in Oxford, AL to raise money for the charity. The scenic trek provides an opportunity for adventure, fun, and fitness while making a direct impact on the lives of children in the community battling critical illnesses.
“We successfully completed our hike/fundraising journey with the Make-A-Wish Trailblaze Challenge. It was difficult and eye-opening to say the least. Twenty-six-point-three miles on strenuous terrain sparks many different emotions ranging from excitement to anger to exhaustion,” said Melissa. “Our journey began in January with the commitment to complete such a long, single day hike to raise the necessary funds and culminated with one of the most physically challenging things we have done. However, we came to realize over these few months that the challenge we faced was minimal when compared to what the Wish families whom we were helping face each day. As a whole, the Alabama Trailblaze Challenge raised over 1 million dollars this year setting records nationally for funds raised by this type of Make-A-Wish event. To see firsthand and hear of so many families who are directly impacted by the positive benefits of this challenge made us realize that this is something incredibly special and EXIT Justice is proud to have played a small part in its success.”
A portion of every transaction fee received by EXIT Realty Corp. International is applied to its charitable fund. Through the Spirit of EXIT Dollar-for-Dollar Matching Program, EXIT offices and associates can raise money for local, approved, registered charities and apply to EXIT’s head office to have those funds matched from the company’s pool of funds. Melissa and her team raised $2503.39, which EXIT’s head office was proud to match for a total donation of $5006.78.
“It is through your generosity and events that Make-A-Wish Alabama can bring moments of wonder, magic, and laughter to so many deserving children in need. Thank you for helping our beautiful children and their families smile and have hope again amid their difficult medical journeys,” said Tracy Bennett Smith, President & CEO of Make-A-Wish Alabama.
