Garfield County High Schools Unite for Violeta's Make-A-Wish

Grand Valley, Rifle, and Coal Ridge high schools host fundraising events to grant 4-year-old cancer survivor's wish to meet K-pop group TWICE.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Grand Valley High School in Parachute, Colorado is hosting its third annual Make-A-Wish Week from February 24-28 to raise funds for Make-A-Wish Colorado and support wish kid Violeta, a 4-year-old cancer survivor. Violeta's wish is to meet her favorite K-pop band, TWICE. Rifle and Coal Ridge high schools in the Garfield Re-2 School District are also participating in Wish Week this week, with various fundraising events and school spirit activities.

Why it matters

The Make-A-Wish events organized by the Garfield County high schools highlight the power of community support and the positive impact granting wishes can have on children battling serious illnesses. Violeta's wish represents a new chapter in her life after an intense journey through cancer treatment, and the schools' fundraising efforts aim to make her dream come true.

The details

Grand Valley High School has set a fundraising goal of $7,500 for Violeta's wish, and their week-long campaign will feature a half-court shot fundraiser, a silent auction, and other activities. Rifle and Coal Ridge high schools are also hosting Wish Week events this week, including spirit days, community dinners, and donation drives, with proceeds going to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

  • Grand Valley High School's Make-A-Wish Week is scheduled for February 24-28, 2026.
  • Rifle and Coal Ridge high schools' Wish Week events are taking place this week, February 9-12, 2026.

The players

Violeta

A 4-year-old cancer survivor from western Garfield County whose wish is to meet the K-pop group TWICE.

Grand Valley High School

A high school in Parachute, Colorado that is hosting its third annual Make-A-Wish Week to raise funds for Violeta's wish.

Garfield Re-2 School District

The school district that includes Rifle and Coal Ridge high schools, which are also participating in Wish Week events to support Violeta.

Rifle High School

A high school in the Garfield Re-2 School District that is hosting Wish Week activities this week.

Coal Ridge High School

A high school in the Garfield Re-2 School District that is hosting Wish Week activities this week.

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What they’re saying

“Wishes are not just moments of joy. Research shows they can be a turning point in a child's treatment, helping relieve trauma, improve emotional well-being, and give children strength to keep fighting.”

— Kathryn Nichols, Coal Ridge High School counselor and Student Council sponsor (postindependent.com)

“Wish Week reminds our students that even small acts of kindness can make a powerful difference. This is about empathy, hope, and showing up for one another. The fact that it is a local child makes it even better.”

— Eric Caro, Rifle High School Assistant Principal and Student Council sponsor (postindependent.com)

What’s next

The schools will continue their fundraising efforts throughout the week, culminating in the final events at Grand Valley High School from February 24-28. The funds raised will be used to grant Violeta's wish to meet the K-pop group TWICE.

The takeaway

The Garfield County high schools' coordinated efforts to support a local child's Make-A-Wish demonstrates the power of community and how small acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference in the life of a child facing a serious illness.