NEWPORT BEACH, CA – For the second consecutive year, Grand Canyon University claims the Pacific West Conference Make-A-Wish Award.

The announcement was made during the 2012 PacWest Conference meetings held May 30-June 1 in Newport Beach, CA.

The award recognizes PacWest institutions and their Student Athlete Advisory Committees (SAAC) for excelling in their efforts to enrich the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions.

GCU’s athletic department and SAAC committee generated more than $11,272.95 in funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation – nearly double of the $6,500 the Antelopes accrued in 2010-11.

“We initiated the PacWest Make-A-Wish Award last year to recognize the outstanding efforts of our institutions and our student-athletes who give selflessly to help bring joy to children and their families during difficult times in their lives,” Bob Hogue, commissioner of the PacWest, said. “All of our institutions and student-athletes do a tremendous job, and I am proud to present Grand Canyon with this award for the second straight year.”

GCU will receive a plaque commemorating its selection. The presentation will take place during a home athletic contest during the 2012-13 campaign.

As a conference, the PacWest student-athletes raised a record-setting $26,189.60 for the Make-A-Wish program – more than 30 percent above the goal set by the PacWest SAAC Committee for this year.

That total is infused into the national program that features NCAA Division II student-athletes from across the nation helping to raise funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

About the Make-A-Wish Foundation

Since 1980, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has enriched the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions through its wish-granting work. The foundation's mission reflects the life-changing impact that a Make-A-Wish experience has on children, families, referral sources, donors, sponsors and entire communities.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation was founded in 1980 after a little boy named Chris Greicius realized his heartfelt wish to become a police officer. Since its humble beginnings, the organization has blossomed into a worldwide phenomenon, reaching more than 250,000 children around the world.

Although it has become one of the world's most well-known charities, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has maintained the grassroots fulfillment of its mission.

A network of nearly 25,000 volunteers enable the Make-A-Wish Foundation to serve children with life-threatening medical conditions. Volunteers serve as wish granters, fundraisers, special events assistants and in numerous other capacities.

As the Foundation continues to mature, its mission will remain steadfast. Wish children of the past, present and future will have an opportunity to share the power of a wish.