Matt Milligan, recipient of a Make-A-Wish Foundation gift to meet the National Geographic magazine editor, recalls his dream with Michelle Eddy, the Star Benefactor who made it possible.
High-quality photographic art was among the auction prizes at the Make-A-Wish Foundation gala Jan. 20.
Supporters of Make-A-Wish Foundation applaud the organization's continuing commitment to making dreams come true for youngsters with life-threatening diseases. Their annual fundraiser was Jan. 20 at the Naples Hilton.
Matt Milligan, one of the recipients of Make-A-Wish fundraiser, talked about his dreams of being a photographer.
The ballroom at the Hilton Naples was filled to capacity with donors and guests on Friday, Jan. 20, for the sixth Annual Wishmaker's Ball, benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida. The sold-out event had 220 in attendance.
The ball's black-and-white theme created an ambience of elegance for arriving guests, with tiny ballerinas from Dance Arts by Maria greeting supporters as they entered the hotel. The ball chair, Sandra Buxton, helped to create a welcoming atmosphere that began with a Champagne and cocktail reception. Once the doors opened to the ballroom, guests were invited to dance to the Steve Chase Society band before the surf-and-turf dinner.
Honorary chairs for this year's ball were Todd and Angela Gates. Amy Sedlacek of Norman Love Confections and a member of the chapter's President's Council of Lee County served as the emcee for the night, energizing the room during the Adopt-A-Wish segment of the evening to bring the fundraising event total to $126,500.
Wish Child Matt Milligan spoke about his wish, which was funded by Michele Eddy, Wish Star Benefactor. He told of his love of photography and his wish to meet the editor of National Geographic. Matt also spoke about compassion and how the Make-A-Wish Foundation represents it to so many children and families.
Auctioneer Mike Joyce of Gulf Coast Coin and Jewelry conducted the live auction, which included a New Orleans escape, two "create a signature cocktail" offerings for Shula's menu and two signed, limited-edition photographs by Matt.
"We are so pleased with the results, the ticket sales and sponsorships this year," says Norm Wedderburn, president and CEO of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida. "We feel we have a real presence in the Southwest Florida area and want to keep making wishes come true for local children."
The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions. For more information, to make a donation, volunteer or become a wish sponsor, visit www.sfla.wish.org or call 239- 992-9474.
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