Right next to the lawn mowers and across from the light bulbs isn’t usually where you’d expect to find a group of unlikely allies but on Saturday, February 27th at the Lowes of Auburndale, that was exactly where a few members of Guardians of Justice could be found. We were so happy to be invited back for our second See a Hero, Be a Hero event.

Joined by “Elsa of Auburndale” they spent the morning talking to, and posing for photos with, local patrons of the store. Darth Vader and Batman were definite hits among the employees, although most of them claimed that our Ninja Turtle, Raphael, looked very familiar -a few even asking if he’d worked there before! Aperture Labs was on hand with a Scientist and test subject to thank patrons for their support as they perused the aisles. Meanwhile, Rogue was talking gardening with an adorable little girl and her grandmother who had stopped in to get marigolds to deter the rabbits in their garden.

To help generate funds for the local MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association) volunteers created adorable wishing wells that patrons of the store could toss coins (or cash) into. Our heroes prompted every child donating funds to make a wish before they added their contribution. And we heard everything from “more money”, and “more toys”, to “candy!” and “Pizza!”

Our Smile Makers Jason and Ronnie were on hand to help take photos, keep the lines organized when we were busy and handed out donated bracelets, shamrock stickers and “grow your own luck” charms while Carla snapped away with candid behind the scene photos (as well as posed photos).

As the day progressed Batman talked shop with a few customers, attempting to help them with their lawn mower choices before he and the visiting Elsa had a mower race –Lord Vader declared that Batman won and everyone else agreed that Elsa should really just “let it go.”

The wishing wells will be left up all month, so if you’re in the area empty your pockets –but first, make a wish!

Muscular dystrophy (MD) is a genetic disorder that gradually weakens the body’s muscles. It’s caused by incorrect or missing genetic information that prevents the body from making the proteins needed to build and maintain healthy muscles. A child who is diagnosed with MD gradually loses the ability to do things like walk, sit upright, breathe easily, and move the arms and hands. This increasing weakness can lead to other health problems. […]There is no cure for MD, but researchers are quickly learning more about how to prevent and treat it. (source: Kidshealth.org)