John Wayne Airport and Make-A-Wish® Orange County and the Inland Empire are excited to debut the first-ever North American airport children’s “Wish Lounge.” The Wish Lounge is a children’s play area with child-sized tables and chairs where kids can enjoy coloring activities, reading books, playing games and taking photos at a ‘selfie-station’ equipped with photo props and a giant teddy bear.
Established through a partnership with Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire, the Wish Lounge is part of the month-long Trips that Transform campaign to help grant travel wishes to children through the donation of unused, low balance or soon-to-expire American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest or United airline miles. Once donated, airline miles never expire. To learn more or donate online, visit www.ocair.com/wish.
“This very special addition to John Wayne Airport represents a wonderful partnership between the County of Orange, John Wayne Airport and Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire,” said Orange County Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Michelle Steel. “Make-A-Wish Foundation creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. This Wish Lounge will not only be open to those precious children but to all children traveling through John Wayne Airport.”
“John Wayne Airport is proud to host the Make-A-Wish® Wish Lounge and provide a fun and comfortable space for our youngest travelers,” said Barry Rondinella, Airport Director. “The children’s play area is one of many experiences throughout the Airport Terminal that help to elevate the guest experience.”
The Wish Lounge is conveniently located in an enclosed area adjacent to the Nursing Mother’s Lounge in Terminal B (post-security) between Gates 11/12 near restrooms and provides easy access to nearby food concessions. Furniture for the Wish Lounge was generously donated by Facility Services, an office furniture and space planning company based out of Newport Beach.
“We are humbled by the generosity of John Wayne Airport and Facility Services in partnering to create this Wish Lounge,” said Stephanie McCormick, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire. “By visiting the Wish Lounge, we hope that travelers will learn more about Make-A-Wish and experience the creativity, inspiration and joy our wish children often feel during their wish interviews.”
B-Roll of the ribbon-cutting ceremony at John Wayne Airport on August 19, is available at https://vimeo.com/354914616/a2565e9984.