Children across the Mid-South are being given the opportunity to meet unicorns, swim with mermaids and travel to Disney World expense free. How is this possible? These wishes and more have been granted to critically ill children in need of hope, love and a little magic to brighten their days through Make-A-Wish Mid-South. Since its inception in 1986, Make-A-Wish Mid-South has granted over 6,000 wishes; and there is no sign of them slowing down! In fact, thanks to the dedication of Make-A-Wish Mid-South’s team, donors and volunteers, the wish of a child diagnosed with a critical illness is granted locally every 34 hours – that’s almost one wish a day! “This year we are setting out to grant 300 wishes which will be the most our chapter has ever granted” notes Development Manager, MarySusan Asters.
When dreaming up their wish, each Wish Kid is directed to imagine it in in a way that fits one of the following categories: I wish to be, I wish to have, I wish to meet, or I wish to go. One of the ways Make-A-Wish Mid-South is able to grant wishes is via funds raised from their Annual wine tasting event, Wine for Wishes. Now in its 10th year, Wine for Wishes will be held Friday, February 21 from 6:30 to 9:30 PM at The Cadre in downtown Memphis. The event is hosted by Make-A-Wish Mid-South’s Associate Board, which is comprised of young professionals who share a passion and commitment to Make-A-Wish’s mission to “create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.”
In celebration of the event’s 10-year anniversary, this year’s event is Great Gatsby themed. Guests can expect fabulous food catered by Restaurant Iris, a live band, silent auction, a wine pull, and of course, plenty of glitz and glam. Proceeds from Wine for Wishes go directly toward funding local wishes in Memphis and surrounding areas, which cost an average of $8,000 per wish to grant. Last year, Wine for Wishes raised around $75,000 allowing Make-A-Wish Mid-South to grant 9 wishes. This year, the Associate Board is hoping to fund 10-12 wishes.
Although considered one of the most anticipated fundraisers for young professionals each year, hosting Wine for Wishes is not Make-A-Wish Mid-South’s Associate Board only responsibility. Those who join the board also volunteer as wish granters, serve at Walk for Wishes in the Spring and advocates for the organization within their communities and offices.
No tickets to Wine for Wishes will be sold at the door, so if you’re interested in attending, make sure to secure tickets in advance. Regularly priced tickets are $75 each. If you cannot attend Wine for Wishes, you can still support Make-A-Wish by either donating monetarily online or referring a child who may be critically ill. Child referrals are designed to be easy and can be done by parents, the child themselves, or a medical professional by simply calling 901-680-WISH. Learn about more ways to get involved with Make-A-Wish Mid-South, their Associate Board and Wine for Wishes at midsouth.wish.org.
