Alaska Airlines and Seattle Mariners present 1 million miles to make children’s wishes come true
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By Shaunta Hyde, Managing Director of Community Relations, Alaska Air Group
![Alaska Airlines’ Shaunta Hyde presents 1 million miles to Barry McConnell, Make-a-Wish Alaska and Washington chapter president and CEO, and Make-A-Wish board chair Mitch Hansen before a Mariners game on Friday, Sept. 26.](http://blog.alaskaair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/makeawishmillionmiles-9-26-14.jpg)
Witnessing a child’s wish come true is one of life’s true joys. On Friday, I was humbled to present Make-A-Wish Alaska and Washington with a gift of 1 million miles so that more children can experience their heartfelt wishes. In partnership with the Seattle Mariners, Alaska Airlines has been accumulating miles for our local Make-A-Wish chapter each time a Mariner hits a homerun since 2010. The “Home Runs for Wishes” program receives 10,000 miles from Alaska for each home run, and 40,000 miles for a Mariner grand slam. This season has been an amazing one for the M’s, which means more miles for Make-A-Wish and more dreams turning into reality for children in our region.
Our partnership with the Mariners dates back more than a decade, and Alaska has supported Make-A-Wish Alaska and Washington for nearly three decades. Last year alone, members of our mileage program donated an incredible 19 million miles to our local Make-A-Wish chapter. Our 6,000 Seattle-area employees work hard to make each one of those trips special from the time the kids arrive at the airport to when they touch down and beyond.
![Alaska Airlines’ giant blue Genie dubbed the “Spirit of Make-a-Wish” plane flies throughout the carrier’s route network. First introduced in 2006, the Boeing 737-400 celebrates the long-term partnership between the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Disneyland Resorts and Alaska Airlines.](http://blog.alaskaair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/maw-rotate_2.jpg)
Next time you’re at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, keep an eye out for our “Spirit of Make-A-Wish” Boeing 737. With a little luck, you will experience the joy of seeing a child board his or her flight to their dream location. To donate miles to Make-A-Wish and other causes, visit www.alaskaair.com and click on the “Mileage Plan” and “Charity Miles” links.