News Release: Third Annual Walk For Wishes® raises more than $200,000

EL SEGUNDO (May 15, 2010) – Beneath a bright morning sky, more than 1,100 participants took part earlier today in the Third Annual Walk for Wishes presented by Mattel, Inc. Held on the campus of the company’s headquarters in El Segundo, the event raised more than $200,000 that will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Los Angeles.

   “With the Make-A-Wish Foundation celebrating its 30th anniversary, it is fitting that the money raised by the Walk For Wishes will go directly towards granting the wishes of more than 30 children who live in our community,” said Suzanne Sutter, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Los Angeles. “I’d like to thank each of our walkers for their fantastic contribution, the City of El Segundo for its assistance, each of our sponsors and especially to our host Mattel Inc. for its long and generous support of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.”

   "Mattel is honored to host and sponsor the Third Annual Walk for Wishes," said Deidre Lind, Executive Director, Mattel Philanthropy Programs. "With two percent of our pretax profit dedicated to Mattel's philanthropic efforts globally, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Los Angeles is an important local partner to us in making a meaningful difference in the lives of children in need."

   Hosted this year by KTLA Morning News anchor Megan Henderson, a long-time Make-A-Wish supporter, the annual walk brings together children, student groups, families and other supporters to help the Greater Los Angeles chapter bring hope, strength and joy to children living with life-threatening medical conditions. After completing the two-mile course, participants were treated to a carnival featuring food, music and entertainment including a Hot Wheels® race track, bounce house, face painting and more.

   Other sponsors of Walk For Wishes include Watt Plaza, E! Entertainment, Saputo Frigo Cheeseheads, Danone Simpson Insurance, Overbrook Entertainment, Chevron, Providence Little Company of Mary – Torrance, Toyota TABC, 1st Century Bank, Del Rey Kennels, Kitchen 24, Steve Jordan Acceleration and Tom Stout Landscape Designs.

About the Make-A-Wish Foundation

   The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Founded in 1980 when a group of caring volunteers helped a young boy fulfill his dream of becoming a police officer, the Foundation is now the largest wish-granting charity in the world.

   The Greater Los Angeles chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation was formed in 1983. Since the chapter’s beginning, more than 6,800 wishes have been fulfilled for children with life-threatening medical conditions.  For more information about the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Los Angeles including how you can help refer a child for a wish; participate in Adopt-A-Wish; or donate in-kind gifts of goods or services, airline frequent flyer miles, or vehicles, please call (800) 322-9474 or visit www.wishla.org.