16th Rafting for Wishes relay fundraiser nets $456K for Make-A-Wish NH

MEREDITH — For 24 hours straight, a floating fundraiser took place on Meredith Bay last month for Make-A-Wish New Hampshire, with participants taking turns on rafts on Lake Winnipesaukee.

The effort raised a whopping $456,249.

“We are absolutely blown away by the support of the community that rallies around Rafting for Wishes and our wish families across New Hampshire,” reads a joint statement from Olivia Stanas, director of community outreach for Make-A-Wish NH, and Paula Miles, of Miles Marine, in Gilford. “The success of this event is only possible because of the incredible generosity of our participants, sponsors, volunteers, and local businesses who believe in the power of a wish.”

The 2026 Rafting for Wishes event celebrated its 16th year, July 17-18, at Hesky Park, where opening and closing ceremonies took place.

Individuals and teams participated on the lake, or agreed to a six-hour remote water session to fulfill fundraising commitments. Participants fundraised for Make-A-Wish NH, then created a raft relay for the fundraiser.

Some donors compete in the relay alone, while others form large teams to help spread out rafting time.

“This year, we had over 20 teams participate and support from over 100 community partners, who together raised more than $456,000 for Make-A-Wish New Hampshire,” the statement reads. “These funds will help grant life-changing wishes for children facing critical illnesses throughout our state.”

Miles Marine is an avid supporter of Make-A-Wish NH, sponsoring the event — and going one step further, by volunteering, too.

“Another remarkable aspect of the event is the support we receive from local businesses,” the statement reads. “All food and beverages for the weekend are donated by community partners who generously give their time, products, and resources because they believe in the impact a wish can have on a child and family.”

New this year was the Make-A-Wish NH Runway Show, a red carpet event where wish children dressed as their wishes and walked the runway. The show took place during the Opening Ceremony.

“During the ceremony, wish kid Jordan, who believed he was simply participating in the runway show, instead, discovered that his wish to visit Epic Universe would be granted in just three weeks,” according to the statement. “It was a truly unforgettable moment that captured the magic of a wish, especially as Mario and Luigi arrived on jet ski, and Yoshi came running through the park to tell Jordan the good news.”

Planning for next year’s event is already underway.

“A dedicated committee of five individuals — Paula Miles, Alison Milioto, Corinne Alami, Nikki Lyons Lahey and Olivia Stanas — works year-round through constant communication and collaboration to ensure that it is a success. Though, our committee could not do this without our over 100 volunteers that dedicate time, energy and who put their hearts into making this event possible,” the statement reads. “We are truly a family who work together to bring joy to our wish families.”

For more information, visit wish.org/nh.

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Katlyn Proctor can be reached at katlyn@laconiadailysun.com or by calling 603-524-0150.