Make-A-Wish® Colorado was honored to have granted a very special wish for a young boy in the fall of 2016 through their ongoing partnership with the Ritz-Carlton, Denver. Diagnosed with a rare and aggressive brain tumor, Christopher wanted nothing more than to become a vampire, a wish inspired by his favorite movie, Hotel Transylvania.
A committee was formed at the hotel with the goal of making his dreams a reality – the hotel would soon be turned into the “Hotel Ritz-ylvania” and the little boy would become known as “Christovitch” during his wish weekend. Throughout his time at the property, he and his family and friends were treated to a “vampire” warm welcome with staff members wearing capes and fangs before arriving to a fully decorated suite full of bats and other spooky surprises. Scenes from the animated film were enlivened with a fog-filled ballroom where a monster dance party was held while “scare school” was conducted with real-life creepy crawlers of all kinds and taught by a vampire; even an outdoor campfire with a sing-along was enjoyed before a scary-themed, interactive dinner at ELWAY’S, the hotel’s signature restaurant, filled with potions and other fun creations with the help of Denver’s Inventing Room catering group.
Christopher’s wish to be a vampire! from Make-A-Wish Colorado on Vimeo.
Every year Make-A-Wish chapters across the world come together to celebrate the creativity and partnerships that take place to create lasting memories for children and their families through a wish experience. The hotel received the news that their partnership with Make-A-Wish Colorado was the recipient of the national award for “Most Innovative Wish” during Make-A-Wish Colorado’s annual fundraiser, The Sporting Affair, at Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum this past March. The event raised $260,000 which will be used to grant the wishes of Colorado children with life-threatening medical conditions.
Author: Amber Johnson
Amber is the founder and editor of Mile High Mamas, travel writer and former columnist for The Denver Post. She is a passionate community builder and loves the outdoors. She has two awesome teens and is happily married to a man obsessed with growing The Great Pumpkin.
