JEFFERSON TWP — Ellie Suereth, an 8-year-old from Seven Fields, wants to fight anyone from the dark side of the film “Star Wars.”

Thanks to a South Butler School District fundraiser through Make-A-Wish, she just might be able to do that at Walt Disney World in Florida.

“I really want to fight Darth Maul,” Ellie said Tuesday evening between Knoch High School's junior varsity and varsity games. “Or Darth Vader, or anyone on the dark side.”

Just before Knoch's varsity game against Freeport, the Knoch basketball players presented Ellie with smaller gifts along with a trip to Disney World to see the new “Star Wars” attractions.

This was done under the guidance of Coach Ron McNabb, who had the idea for the fundraiser while watching an episode of “60 Minutes” that featured Make-A-Wish.

The boys' basketball team sponsored a hat day fundraiser in December at the school in an attempt to raise the $3,900 needed to grant a wish. All four of the district's schools participated, raising about $3,000.

The team followed this up by hosting collections at two of its December home games, bringing the total to $3,450. An anonymous gift, matching the total already collected, brought the total to more than $6,300, according to McNabb's wife, Kris Ann, who helped with the fundraiser.

“We always try to do more than just basketball here,” Ron McNabb said. “I want them to learn that not everybody is as lucky and as blessed as we are.”

The wish was coordinated with the Make-A-Wish Greater Pennsylvania and West Virginia chapter.

To be eligible for a wish, a child between the ages of 2½ and 18 must be recommended to the organization. The treating physician must confirm that the child has a life-threatening medical condition, Hohn said.

Make-A-Wish volunteers meet with the child and determine what type of gift is wanted and appropriate, but almost half of the wishes are a trip to Disney World, according to Ann Hohn, Make-A-Wish chief operating officer.

Ellie was recommended by her family in October, according to her mother, Sarah Suereth.

“I was really amazed that it was so quick and easy,” Suereth said.

The process did not take long, only taking one week for the physician to verify the medical condition.

By Thanksgiving, the family had heard back about setting up a time for a family trip, Suereth said.

As for Ellie, she was so excited that she couldn't find the words, but her father, Josh Suereth, joked that she is about an 11 or a 12 on an excitement scale from one to 10.

Aiden Albert, a senior on the team, said the entire team was excited to participate and to see how Ellie would react.

“A lot of us are very grateful for this opportunity,” Albert said. “It's really cool for us because we get to experience something other than basketball through this.”

Albert said team members were thrilled when they found out how much money had been raised, and he hopes the team continues fundraising for Make-A-Wish, he said.

Coach McNabb said, “I couldn't be prouder of a group of guys than I am of my basketball team.”

Ellie, who is a third-grader in the Seneca Valley School District, will take time in March to enjoy her seven-day and six-night trip.

While a wish gift does not happen very often in person, Hohn said it is perfect for schools that come together to donate and noted it adds to the surprise for the child.

“It's a very tangible way for these kids to see what they've done,” Hohn said.

Any funds remaining after Ellie's wish has been granted will go to the next Make-A-Wish fundraiser at the district, according to Jenny Webb, communications liaison for the South Butler district.