Miami has welcomed a beacon of hope and joy for children with critical illnesses with the opening of the new Make-A-Wish Foundation facility, the Finker-Frenkel Wish House. The grand opening of this innovative center took place on Friday and saw community members, including families and local dignitaries, celebrating a space designed to foster imagination and wonder in young hearts.

Located at Northwest Sixth Street and Fourth Avenue, the Finker-Frenkel Wish House had its origins in the creative mind of a former Disney imagineer, who envisioned a world where children and their parents could find respite, even in the throes of grave health challenges, according to Local 10 News. The new facility features interactive environments tailored to the needs and imaginations of its young visitors. To celebrate this occasion, the children were treated to a tour which culminated in an exuberant party.

Not only does the Finker-Frenkel Wish House serve as a sanctuary for families, but it also stands as the new headquarters of Make-A-Wish Southern Florida. Boasting 30,000 square feet of space across five floors, this structure includes office areas alongside special rooms that are specially crafted to inspire children to dream without limits. Norman Wedderburn, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish Southern Florida highlighted the significance of the Wish Discovery process, telling WSVN, "We always knew that we wanted to elevate what we call the Wish Discovery process, when the children are trying to decide on their wish, and so, this idea was born over 10 years ago to, 'Let's build a place where we can have children come into to discover their wishes, as opposed to us going to their living room."

Community support was palpable at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, with WSVN owners Andy and James Ansin, co-president and general manager Paul Magnes, and “Today in Florida” anchor Alex de Armas and Tavares Jones in attendance. All are proud supporters of the foundation, their presence signaling an unwavering commitment to the mission of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.