Sixth Annual Make a Wish Gala!

Article / Photos GioVanni

The Sixth Annual Make-A-Wish® Foundation Three Wishes Gala took place at the Hampton Inn and Conference Center. Twelve families who have received a wish from the Eastern Ontario chapter in the past year have been invited to attend courtesy of some very special-local sponsors. The program began at 6:00p.m, and many of the children were in front of the stage to cut the Make-A-Wish® cake at 8:00pm.

Brook, Victoria and Daniel, some of the Wish children that were in attendance helped to assist the live auction by creating their own pieces of art to be auctioned off which raised over $30,000.

Returning Gala Chair’s Tony & Grace Mariani of MarGard Builders, they invited many prominent business people from the Ottawa community and attendance was sold out at 720 guests within just a few days of announcing this year’s event. Some of the who, who’s that attended were CEO of Make-A-Wish Canada’s Jennifer Ritter, Rick Gibbons (CEO of the Ottawa Sun), Mark Papousek (Y101 Radio), John Brule (Clean Water Works Inc., Walter Griesseier (Aim Cohen and Cohen), Ottawa model Jessica Newton, Wayne Rostad, Michael O’Byrne and many other recognizable faces were in the crowd.

The Live auction which raised over $50,000 which serves as the cornerstone of Make-A-Wish’s fund raising for years to come. This year due to a large increase in attendance, the event Total Funds Raised around $100,000 and still counting. “The support we receive on this special evening goes beyond finances,” says Executive Director, Mike Wlotzki. “It shows our Staff, Volunteers and Wish Kids how many people truly believe in our mission and are willing to support our efforts.”

With over one hundred kids in the Eastern & Northern Ontario territories currently in the process of having a wish granted; Make-A-Wish has an ambitious year ahead. Please Donate your unwanted vehicle to Make-A-Wish® Eastern Ontario. AIM Cohen and Cohen will make a $150.00 donation in your name for which you will receive a $150.00 tax receipt. Towing is provided free of charge by CAA North & Eastern Ontario.

The Make-A-Wish® Foundation of Canada is a dynamic wish granting organization that brings hope, strength and joy to children across Canada living with life-threatening medical conditions. Along with the national office, seven independent regional chapters grant magical wishes to children in need from coast-to-coast. Make-A-Wish Canada is an affiliate of Make-A-Wish® International, the largest wish-granting-organization in the world, making dreams and wishes come true for more than 225,000 children since 1980. To learn more visit thier website at www.makeawisheo.ca Up coming events contact Giovanni at giovannipublicist@yahoo.ca