Party Animals help Make-A-Wish teen spread kindness

SAVANNAH, Ga. —

Amy Malavich, a 17-year-old Make-A-Wish recipient from northeast Massachusetts, fulfilled her dream at Grayson Stadium in Savannah by partnering with the Savannah Bananas to promote kindness through their Catch Kindness initiative.

Malavich, who lives with MPS 1, a rare enzyme disorder affecting organs, bones, and tissue, has been a devoted fan of Banana Ball for years, traveling across the country with her family to watch the Party Animals play. When Make-A-Wish asked her to choose her wish, she decided to focus on giving back.

“You know, anyone can go on a trip. So I just wanted to have something with a meaningful impact instead of just something like, you go away for a week and you have a nice vacation, but you don’t really get anything out of it. Whereas this kind of had it impact,” Malavich said.

WJCL

Amy cheers as she’s surprised by the Party Animals team ahead of Saturday’s game.

Her wish led to a collaboration with Party Animals player Bronson “Bronny” Balholm and the Catch Kindness initiative, which encourages fans and players to recognize, celebrate, and spread acts of kindness in their communities.

“You know, you can wish for whatever you want. And she decided a wish to help make a better world. Help promote kindness. Help spread kindness. That’s. Pretty dang beautiful, if you ask me,” Balholm said.

WJCL

Party Animals player Bronny Balholm gives Amy a bag of gifts. Both share the number 41 on their jerseys.

On Saturday, Malavich spent time with Balholm and the Party Animals, exchanging gifts, taking photos, and handing out roses to the crowd. Each rose carried kind messages written by Malavich and the players.

“Don’t be afraid to be you. Your smile is contagious. Give someone a hug tonight. Make someone smile today. Trust the process. Everything happens for a reason,” Malavich said.

WJCL

Amy and a Party Animals player show off their matching rings.

Her mother, Jenny Malavich, shared how Amy had been planning her wish for years.

“She’s been trying to figure out what she wanted to do for a couple of years now. And, when she finally had the opportunity, she said she just wanted to give back,” Jenny Malavich, Amy’s mother, said.

Amy said Saturday was a chance to experience something she has loved for years and hopes the kindness she helped spread will continue long after the stadium lights dim.

WJCL

Amy and her family pose for a group photo with the Party Animals.

Amy’s family expressed their gratitude to the Savannah Bananas organization for making her wish come true.

To learn more about the Catch Kindness organization, click here.