Over 1,000 supporters attended the annual Wish Ball, Make-A-Wish Illinois’ largest fundraiser, at Navy Pier on May 21. Themed “Imagination Made Possible,” the black-tie gala celebrated 30 years of granting wishes to children from 2 1/2 to 18 years old who have been diagnosed with life-threatening medical conditions.
During the reception, guests had a chance to meet the 30 “wish ambassadors” in attendance. Noah Stuart, 7, was diagnosed with congenital heart disease and has had three open-heart surgeries. His wish, granted in 2013, was to meet Chicago Bull Joakim Noah and mascot Benny the Bull. He said his wish was “the best” and that “without it, life wouldn’t have been the same.”
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Emcee Cheryl Scott (ABC-7) shared the organization’s mission and spoke about the power of a wish. “Make-A-Wish is not about providing a last wish, but rather a lasting wish. The experience gives kids the strength to endure, joy for the tough moments and new hope for the future,” she said.
Nick Di Brizzi, a 2000 wish alumni, was the keynote speaker. Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at age 2, he underwent a double lung transplant in 2015. His wish to meet actor Joe Pesci culminated in a five-hour dinner in New York. “I was on cloud nine and had completely forgotten about my disease. He inspired me to pursue a career as an actor, and that’s exactly what I did. My wish gave me the strength to continue the fight. It didn’t take away the challenges of my illness, but it helped me see possibilities I couldn’t see before,” Di Brizzi said.
A live auction raised nearly $300,000 and included a trip for two to Los Angeles for the premiere of “Ghostbusters,” as guests of director Paul Feig, which sold for $6,000; a trip for four via private jet to Dallas for a Cowboys/Bears football game, which sold for $20,000; a trip for six via private jet to New York to see the Grammy Award-winning musical “Hamilton,” which sold for $30,000; and a trip to Italy for six that included a Ferrari test drive sold to three bidders at $30,000 each.
A VIP reception on the rooftop was held before the gala and included a short program with remarks from Laura Brown, Make-A-Wish Illinois board chair; Christina Rother, senior VP for CDW (the event’s presenting sponsor); and Maya Gray, a 2014 wish alum. Actor/comedian Paul Reiser was the gala’s celebrity headliner, and an after-party featured dancing to the Dan Hayes Orchestra.
Co-chaired by Mary Chait, Janis Douglas, Amie Hill and Michael Laungani, the event raised $2.3 million. Since its inception in 1985, Make-A-Wish Illinois has assisted in making wishes come true for more than 13,000 children.
Freelance writer Candace Jordan is involved with many local organizations, including some whose events she covers.
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Find more photos and events at www.chicagotribune.com/candidcandace. Visit Candid Candace’s website at www.candidcandace.com, or follow her on Twitter @CandidCandace.
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