Let it Shine!
Sunshine streamed through the skylights in the Raleigh convention center, illuminating all the wishful treasures available for auction at the annual Make a Wish Ball. Over six hundred people gathered for the gala, connected in spirit by our commitment to granting wishes to children with life threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Always a collaborative effort, it truly takes a village to raise a child, and the same is true of making magical wishes come true. Though we generate funding from a variety of venues, this is by far our largest annual event. It continues to grow and is exciting to know that our guest list has more than doubled in the past two years.
What a special surprise it was to see my friend from high school there, whose daughter’s wish was featured in our program. Hearing first hand from families about the power of their experiences is the highlight of the night. Some smiling shyly and others obviously anxious, kids of all ages took to the stage to share stories of their memorable moments. Ranging from classic (over 50% of children choose a trip to Disneyworld) to customized (bedrooms, play spaces and shopping sprees) to collaborative (meet and greets or BEING: a superhero, Policeman, Rock Star, etc.) each is unique, yet united in enthusiasm and appreciation for the life changing power of a wish.
The crowd erupted in applause when the oldest of them recalled enjoying his wish over eleven years ago, and recently graduated from medical school.
After a delicious dinner and dessert we all prepared for the Fund a Wish portion of our program. The announcement of an anonymous donor offering to match every dollar donated up to $150,000 added to the excitement. Of course electronics have taken this process to a new level, allowing guests to register gifts on handheld devices, which transmit totals simultaneously to the screen so we can experience the immediate impact as they add up. I was amazed that we raised over $250,000 in less than ten minutes. After all, the power of a wish is priceless, and who can resist an immediate 100% return on your investment?
Volunteers surrounded the scene making sure everything ran smoothly, while enjoying the ambiance of the evening and the generosity of our guests. Sorority sisters sang This Little Light of Mine, as we illuminated lanterns and lit up the room with love. Some stayed late for the DJ and dancing, while others gathered their gifts and special souvenir photos, heading home with happy memories of making wishes come true.
What is your wish? And how can you let it shine?
You don’t have to wait for the Wish Ball to shine your light or share the power of a wish.
Why not get started today?
Please visit www.eastnc.wish.org for more information
