It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and the perfect time for Southwest Airlines® to help grant a wish for four-year-old Brantley! Along with help from Make-A-Wish® and Macy’s annual Believe letter-writing campaign, we sent Make-A-Wish kid, Brantley, who is battling congenital heart disease, on his way from Dallas to Denver for his wish to build his first snowman!
Donning his elf hat with his sister Blakely and parents by his side, Brantley arrived at the Dallas airport where Santa and his elves Spritz and Sprinkle were waiting to share the marvelous news that Brantley’s wish to build a snowman was coming true. Santa explained to everyone in the gate area that Brantley and his family were shortly going to board a Southwest flight to Denver, where he would be building a snowman.
One of Brantley’s favorite inflight moments came when he helped Macy’s surprise and delight Customers with a little holiday cheer by passing out gift bags, including a $100 Macy’s gift card, to everyone onboard while asking them to write a letter to Santa as part of Macy’s Believe campaign so more wishes could be granted.
Once the plane pulled into the gate, Brantley had more surprises when he walked off the jet bridge, to the sound of violins playing Winter Wonderland and Southwest Employees and Customers cheering for him. And if that wasn’t enough, Brantley received another very warm welcome and lots of presents from local Make-A-Wish and Macy’s Employees in the baggage claim area before he headed off to see the snow and build his snowman.
At Southwest, our Purpose is to connect People to what’s important in their lives. It was such a magical day helping grant Brantley’s wish. He loved each special moment, but you know who loved it even more? Every single person who engaged with Brantley. His positive energy and that big ole smile were contagious! Brantley, thank you for giving us all so much holiday cheer and happiness on your special day!
If you would like to help more wishes for children battling critical illnesses come true this holiday season we invite you to donate your Rapid Rewards Points to Make-A-Wish through Southwest’s Points for a Purpose program at swa.is/pointsdonation. Through our Points for a Purpose program, you can donate points to nine different charities, including Make-A-Wish, and continue making a difference in the lives of those in need.
And, of course, please join the Macy’s Believe campaign and write a letter to Santa. From now until December 24, Macy’s will collect letters in-store or online at macys.com/believe and donate $1, up to $1 million, to Make-A-Wish for each letter collected.
Happy, Happy Holidays from all your friends at Southwest Airlines!
Photos: Associated Press