Alison Wachs, right, played bass at Super Splash to support the CF Foundation and friends, including Deb Donohough, left, who has the disease.
While many 7-year-olds were spending their summer learning to swim, Alison Wachs was already doing laps—not just for fun, but for a special cause. Wishing to help out her friend and fellow swimmer, Kaitlin Fowler, who has cystic fibrosis, Alison became a dedicated participant in the Georgia Chapter’s Super Splash event, which invites children to earn money for CF research for every lap they swim. In 2004, after five years as a Super Splash swimmer, Alison became the event’s chair.
Aiming to make Super Splash an even bigger splash in 2006, Alison, now 14, added a live band at poolside and moved the event to a Friday evening in June to encourage more families to attend. In addition, Alison and her father, Larry, rallied community support for Super Splash with a 30-second TV public service announcement. She and her mom, Kelly, also asked friends and businesses to make donations to a silent auction. Among many sought-after items were a baseball bat autographed by Atlanta Braves outfielder Jeff Francoeur, Atlanta Braves tickets and free guitar lessons. Alison’s tremendous efforts paid off. Super Splash brought in nearly $50,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
