Ethan Spencer took one look at the oversized check used for presentations by the Make A Wish Foundation and called it “ginormous.”

Rebecca Dykstra of the Make A Wish Foundation said that word also reflected the efforts of Spencer and classmates at Troy’s Miami Montessori School in raising more than $1,000. The money will help the foundation make wishes by children with life threatening medical conditions a reality.

The more than one dozen students raised the money through various pieces of artwork made in support of Spencer and his ongoing efforts for the Make a Wish Foundation.

The project was born as part of Spencer’s own 12th birthday celebration, said his mother Lori Spencer of Tipp City.

When asked what he wanted to accomplish in his 12th year, Ethan said it was to make a difference for Make a Wish. Ethan was familiar with the organization thanks to participation with his mother in the annual Walk for Wishes three-mile walk for the foundation.

They brainstormed ideas before Ethan suggested an art show.

They then approached the Tipp City Area Arts Council about possible participation in its annual February art show. The council liked the idea, setting aside a table for the fund raising activity.

“After that, Ethan made a presentation to his school about the foundation and why he is so passionate about this cause. He asked his classmates to help him by making artwork that they would donate to the show,” Lori Spencer said. “In all, over a two-month period, he received approximately 50 pieces of artwork from his classmates.”

The work ranged from clay pottery to sketches on paper. Tipp City artist Sally Watson helped with a class project in which two batiks were created to put in the show.

The day of the show, Ethan and classmates staffed the booth, hoping to reach Ethan’s $150 goal.

By day’s end, they had raised $1,010.75.

Fast forward to Feb. 24, when Dykstra arrived at the Montessori School armed with the ginormous check. Ethan was called aside and given the honor of filling in the check amount, and signing his name.

“This is so cool,” said Kristy Rucker, a family friend and co-captain with Ethan of a 2016 Walk for Wishes team, as Ethan filled in the check.

When it was time for the class presentation, Ethan, his mother, Dykstra and Rucker made their way into Ethan’s upper elementary (grades 4-6) class at Miami Montessori School.

“You raised that much?” another student asked, eyes growing wide, as he looked at the check.

Ethan introduced Dykstra to his classmates.

“Thank you guys for your support,” Dykstra said. She explained the area Make A Wish chapter serves Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana.

Last year 916 wishes were granted for children, she said. The average wish costs $8,000 to grant. “What is exciting is what the wishes actually are,” she said, adding the program is for children ages 2 ½ to 18.

“We are just excited to make more wishes come true,” Dykstra said.

She posed with the check with Ethan before inviting all the classmates who participated in the artwork project to join for more pictures.

“I just loved how Ethan rallied his classmates to think about others … to do something kind to help a child in need,” said Sharon Prais, head of school for Miami Montessori.

For more information on the Make A Wish Foundation, visit oki.wish.org.