After granting the wish of one Chattanooga child through national charity Kids Wish Network, the International Brotherhood of Police Officers Local 673 challenges other fraternal police organizations to match their donation.

Kids Wish Network is a national children’s charity dedicated to infusing hope, creating happy memories and improving the quality of life for children in crisis. They accomplish this mission through several programs, including granting the wishes of children suffering from life-threatening illnesses.

When a child from Chattanooga asked to have a wish granted, the Kids Wish Network Wish Funding team began calling around the city, seeking someone to step up to the plate and help grant the child’s wish. That’s where International Brotherhood of Police Officers Local 673 came in.

After days of calling and asking for help from many different local organizations, Wish Funding Specialist Doris found herself talking to Detective Phil Grubb of the Chattanooga Police Department. He told her that he was the president of the local chapter of the International Brotherhood of Police Officers and that he would be honored to bring up the matter to his organization.

“They didn’t even finish reading the email before they were making motions to pay for the whole wish,” said Detective Grubb. “We’ve not donated to Kids Wish Network before, but we’ve tried to help other children in the area before…there are little occasions that we help with. We’re very aggressive in helping the community.”

With the help of the International Brotherhood of Police Officers Local 673, the whole cost of the wish was covered. Once the wish was granted, Detective Grubb and his fellow officers decided to put out a challenge to the other fraternal police organizations in the area to sponsor more wishes.

“She [the wish child] is not the only one who needs help,” said Detective Grubb. “If we could do it, we’ll light the fire under everyone to help out.”

Now he’s just waiting for someone to accept that challenge and help make more dreams come true.

To sponsor a child’s wish or to nominate a child who is suffering from a life-threatening illness and may be in need of Kids Wish Network’s wish granting services, call 727 937-3600 or toll free 888 918-9004. For more information on Kids Wish Network, visit their website at www.kidswishnetwork.org