Brenda Athletic Clubs is hoping to make the life of at least one very sick child in Stanislaus County a little bit better by helping to grant a wish.

The fitness club — in both Turlock and Modesto — will be holding a Grant a Wish Celebration and Fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. The goal: to raise enough money to sponsor a Make-A-Wish Foundation request.

“There are 40 Make-A-Wish requests pending in Stanislaus County alone,” said Victoria Krippner, regional development and public relations manager for Make-A-Wish Sacramento and Northeastern California. “These kids go through a ton. The wish gives them the ability to focus on something other than being around the medical community.

“What makes the wish so important is when you touch a child’s life, you touch a family; and when you touch a family, you touch a community,” she said.

Saturday’s event is open to the public and will feature free access to club facilities, lunch by Mr. Pickles, smoothies from Jamba Juice, a bounce house, pool games, face painting and raffles. Raffle prizes include a two night stay at Camp Sylvester and Dodge Ridge ski tickets, one year membership to Brenda Athletic Clubs, a round of golf at Turlock Country Club and other local courses. All of the donations and proceeds from the event will go to Make-A-Wish.

Last year, the fitness club raised $6,000 to grant the wish of an Oakdale girl.

“It’s exciting that so many people were community-minded and wanted to help out,” said Lisa Bracken of Brenda Athletic Clubs about last year’s event. “Even with the economy being what it is, we’re hoping to raise at least $6,000 this year.”

The Turlock club is located at 201 Tampa St. The Modesto club is located at 200 Norwegian Ave.

To contact Kristina Hacker, e-mail khacker@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2004.