With the help of Santa Barbara violin maker, James Wimmer and Jacksons music teacher, Carol Kersten, the Foundation set out to look for the perfect violin for Jackson. James Wimmer offered a discount on the instrument, the accessories and the case. He also threw in a sticker and a CD for Jackson who just like Wimmer, loves to fiddle. Mr. Wimmer said, I am thrilled to be part of Jacksons wish coming true. I am incredibly impressed with this young mans interest in the intellectual pursuit that playing the violin is. The instrument he will receive was made in Prague in the 18th Century. The violin has hundreds of years of history. I certainly hope that Jackson will add many, many more to it.
Foundation representatives presented Jackson with the violin of his dreams at the San Luis Obispo Youth Symphony. This boys wish was made possible thanks to a donation made by PG&E.
Jacksons mom, Clare Battista said, I want people to know that Jackson is doing okay. That is very important to me. I also want to say that our experience with the Make-A-Wish Foundation® has been fantastic. As a parent, realizing how important your childs wish is to many, many people is just very, very comforting.
Shanna Wasson Taylor, CEO for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Tri-Counties said, It is really only thanks to the help of our friends and supporters that our mission is possible. We are excited and proud to be able to grant Jacksons special wish. We are also happy to know that he is doing great. To us at the Foundation, that news is like music to our ears!
Jacksons hopes for the future include becoming a professional baseball player, an English professor and an economics professor. He also intends to continue to play the violin.
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