Mauldin Child to Become A Police Officer

I wish to be a police officer and catch thieves

Bennett

congenital heart disorder

Mauldin Child to Become A Police Officer from Make-A-Wish and Mauldin Police Department

What: Local child battling critical illness to receive wish from Make-A-Wish® South Carolina

When: Saturday, January 29, 2022 at 10:00am

Where: Mauldin City Hall 5 E. Butler Rd, Mauldin, SC 29662

Who: 4-year-old wish kid, Bennett Gulyas’ wish will be granted! Bennett, who battles a congenital heart disorder, wished to be a police officer and catch thieves! Bennett will have a big day befitting a local hero. From being sworn in as an official police officer to holding a press conference to catching a thief in action, Bennett will be the hero of the day.

Why: Wishes bring renewed energy and hope. Hope is essential in the fight for wellness. The very first wish that inspired the founding of Make-A-Wish® was granted in 1980 to Chris Greicus who wished to be a police officer. Bennett’s wish exemplifies the Make-A-Wish mission which continues today, forty-two years later. Make-A-Wish South Carolina, its supporters and Mauldin Police Department will celebrate Bennett’s strength, the bravery of all the wish kids whose wishes have been granted, and the hope that will be created through wishes yet to come.

Highlights:

Bennett will become an actual police officer with his own custom uniform and name tag
He will receive training and demonstrations with the officers and K9 team
He will spot a robbery and catch a thief in a community celebration.
He will be celebrated in a parade.
He will be given his own police car by Mauldin Police Department
At the closing ceremony Mauldin Mayor Terry Merritt will present Bennett the key to the city.
Wish is open to the public to come cheer Bennett on (at Sunset Park only). Refreshments are being provided.

Contact: Crystal Alifanow, Make-A-Wish South Carolina Director of Communication, cell 864-626-8510

Important Notes:

Bennett’s full wish itinerary is below. To ensure the most magical wish for Bennett MEDIA IS INVITED TO GET SOUND BITES DURING HIS OFFICIAL PRESS CONFERENCE and/or AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY. We also encourage you to enjoy Bennett’s full wish for b-roll footage. Please contact Crystal if you will be able to attend.
Bennett has a congenital heart defect. For his safety we require masks if within six feet of Bennett or in an enclosed space. Thank you for your consideration.
Wish hashtags: #OfficerBennettIsOurHero #MakeAWish

SATURDAY	PRODUCTION SCHEDULE
10:00 AM	Bennett to arrive at police station 5 E Butler Rd, Mauldin, SC 29662 (back side of City Hall)
10:15 AM	Bennett sworn in as official police officer
10:30 AM	Press conference (interview opportunities with Bennett and his family, Mauldin Chief of Police and Make-A-Wish representative)
11:00 AM	Training and demonstrations by SSRI Team, K9 Team, etc.
12:00 PM	Public starts arriving at Sunset Park 211 Fowler Cir, Greenville, SC 29607 AND Bennett gets call on radio of robbery in progress

12:15 PM	Bennett arrives at State Farm- assess situation & watch security footage 118 W Butler Rd, Mauldin, SC 29662
12:30 PM	Bennett leaves State Farm to go on lookout for thief, spots him and chase ensues
12:35 PM	Bennett arrives at Sunset Park and catches thief in front of the crowd
12:45 PM	Invite Bennett onstage to thank him and present him with his police car
12:50 PM	Invite all law enforcement to participate in our Wish Parade in honor of Bennett. All guests, stay at park, get food/listen to music etc., and we will be back with a special presentation
1:00 PM	Parade through neighborhood (park attendees ask to stay and enjoy refreshments while first responders take Bennett on a parade)
2:00 PM (approx..)	Return to Sunset Park after parade
2:05 PM	Make-A-Wish rep to speak. Mayor to present Bennett with key to the city. Bennett and family say a few words.
2:30 PM	Conclusion- Pictures/Interviews/Mingling (interview opportunities)
3:30 PM	Clean Up

Bennett's Wish Press Kit.pdf

# # #

ABOUT MAKE-A-WISH

Make-A-Wish® creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. We are on a quest to bring every eligible child's wish to life because a wish is an integral part of a child's treatment journey. Research shows children who have wishes granted can build the physical and emotional strength they need to fight a critical illness. The chapter receives funding through private donations, individuals, companies, and special events. For more information about Make-A-Wish South Carolina, visit wish.org/sc and discover ways you can help make wishes come true.

Make-A-Wish, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and the Make-A-Wish swirl-and-star logo, are marks of Make-A-Wish Foundation of America.

Press Kit

CLICK HERE