Thanks in large part to Kaiser Permanente, 500 Make-A-Wish Foundation of San Diego representatives will enjoy a memorable evening at the 2010 San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl. Wish Kids and their families will be treated to the game with tickets, a pre-game tailgate party and sweatshirts.

Kickoff for the 6th annual game is 5 p.m. PT on Thursday, December 23rd at Qualcomm Stadium. The game pits the United States Naval Academy Midshipmen (8-4) against the San Diego State Aztecs (8-4).

The Make-A-Wish Foundation® of San Diego has been the game’s beneficiary since its inception in 2005. The charity receives $1 from each game ticket sold. “Wish Kids” also play important roles in the game including flipping the coin, serving as honorary captains and retrieving the tee after the opening kickoff. Hundreds also participate in a pregame parade in the charity’s honor.

“The bowl’s partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation of San Diego is what makes this game a unique and very special event,” said 2010 Bowl President Eric Graves. “It’s so moving when corporate San Diego steps up and contributes as Kaiser Permanente and others did here. Hundreds of deserving families are in for quite an evening thanks to them.”

“We at Kaiser Permanente are very happy to be able to host the ‘Wish Kids’ and their families again this year,” said Mary Ann Barnes, Senior Vice President and Executive Director for Kaiser Permanente in San Diego. “Kaiser Permanente works closely with the Make-A-Wish Foundation throughout the year, and this is a very special opportunity for us to support Make-A-Wish and the families it serves.”

Luce Forward Hamilton & Scripps also generously contributed to the program.

“Kaiser is not only a partner in providing essential medical care to many of our wish kids, but also a partner in sharing some much needed hope, strength and joy this holiday season,” said Chris Sichel, executive director of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of San Diego. “By providing 500 tickets and a VIP tailgate, Kaiser, Luce Forward and others have again shown our wish families that they truly care.”

For San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl tickets and information, call 619/285-5039 or visit www.PoinsettiaBowl.com.