WISHES GRANTED
Make-A-Wish Night of Wishes Dazzles
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Chris Caselli, Julia Franco and Mary Holguin
THE SETTING: The Fairmont Hotel was recently the setting for the Make-A-Wish Night of Wishes gala. Over 250 of the Capital City’s philanthropists and community leaders turned out in person…with another 250 guests attending virtually for an incredible night of fun and fundraising that those fortunate enough to be a part of will not soon forget.
THE STYLE: From the second the black-tie crowd entered the foyer of the venue, partygoers knew they were in for a special evening. The festivities began with a VIP cocktail reception where the organization’s patrons sipped cocktails, socialized with friends, and posed for photos on the step and repeat to commemorate the event.
The action then moved to the Fairmont Ballroom for the program. Emcees Allison Miller and Cariel Rentas effortlessly kept the festivities flowing and the audience engaged in the action-packed evening. As guests dined on their delectable multi-course meals, they were treated to touching stories from several testimonials from children whose dreams came true due to the efforts of Make-A-Wish. The evening was capped off with a live auction and paddle raise, which included several experiential packages like luxury getaways to Costa Rica, Lake Tahoe, and Willamette Valley Wine Country in Oregon.
THE PURPOSE: The event raised over $900,000 for Make-A-Wish Central and South Texas, which provides life-changing wishes to children with critical illnesses. Since its founding in 1980, Make-A-Wish has granted over 315,000 wishes to children throughout the United States.