Dreams take off at Hartsfield-Jackson
By Amy Schneider

Children with special circumstances got the celebrity treatment at two separate events held at Hartsfield-Jackson on December 9.

At 8:30 a.m., well-wishers gathered at Houlihan’s in the Airport Atrium for a send-off party honoring Catherine (last name not given), a 14-year-old Atlanta girl with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Catherine was the recipient of a Make-A-Wish Foundation trip to Atlantis, a vacation resort in the Bahamas.

Macy’s and the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which also provided Catherine with clothes and luggage for the trip, have dubbed December 9 National Believe Day, which aims to inspire goodwill and charitable efforts in keeping with the holiday season.

A short time later, gate T10 transformed into a winter wonderland for Snowball Express, an annual event that that provides a few days of vacation and entertainment for families of military personnel who have died in active duty since September 11, 2001.

Aviation General Manager Louis Miller joined Santa Claus himself and representatives from event sponsor American Airlines, the USO and other groups for a party before the 40 children and their families departed just before noon for Dallas.
 
During the party the children enjoyed face-painting, balloon art, an ornament-making station, festive music and refreshments. Each child also received gifts before the flight.
 
Atlanta was one of the departure sites for Snowball Express, a nonprofit organization that supports families of fallen soldiers nationwide. The flights and all expenses during the families’ vacation are donated.

Catherine (last name not given), 14, is the center of attention at Houlihan’s for a reception in her honor. She went to the Bahamas, courtesy of the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Macy’s.

Aviation General Manager Louis Miller (right) poses with Juan Carlos Liscano (elf suit), American Airlines station manager; Santa Claus; ROTC members; and children whose vacation in Dallas was sponsored by Snowball Express.

Louis Miller (from right), Santa Claus and Juan Carlos Liscano were on hand for the festivities as Snowball Express departed again in December from Hartsfield-Jackson.

Volunteer Joy Whitley paints a child’s face, as Holly Benson (left) and Wanda Stewart look on. Benson made balloon creations for the children, including snowmen and Santa Claus beard/hat combinations.

Children gather around the ornament-decorating table.