Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Southern Florida

Event Recaps & Photos


		6th Annual Wishmaker’s Ball It was a “Black and White” evening that created a rainbow of wishes at the 6th Annual Wishmaker’s Ball at the Hilton Naples on January 20, 2012. 220 guests enjoyed delectable dining and cocktails, silent and live auctions and the tunes of The Steve Chase Society. Sixteen-year-old Matt told the heartwarming story of his incredible wish come true and had the crowd in tears and laughter. The night came to a beautiful end as $126,500 was raised, enough to grant the heartfelt wishes of 25 local children. To view event photos, click here.

		“Trigger” Premiere On Wednesday, November 23, 2011, South Florida native and Los Angeles-based Matt Sinnreich, debuted his new short film “Trigger” to a sold out crowd at Colony Theatre on Lincoln Road. At the premiere, Sinnreich, who wrote, directed, and produced the film, announced his next project, Sins of South Beach, a major motion picture based on the acclaimed novel Sins of South Beach by Alex Doud, former three-time mayor of Miami Beach. Following the screening and as a result of his work and fundraising efforts, Sinnreich was recognized by both the State of Florida and City of Miami Beach, at which time the city’s commissioner declared November 23rd “Matt Sinnreich Day” and presented him with a Key to the City. Over $3,000 was donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida as a result of Matt’s fundraising efforts.

		Tea at the Ritz Tea at the Ritz was a wonderful afternoon of conversation, fine teas and delicious delicacies to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida. The event was attended by some of Naples’ finest on Saturday, November 5th, 2011 at The Ritz-Carlton Naples. The event, sponsored by Gibraltar Private Bank raised nearly $6,500, enough to grant the wish of one local child.

		2nd Annual Kick It for Wishes The 2nd Annual Kick It for Wishes on Saturday, October 29, 2011 was a home run. 16 teams participated in this kickball tournament benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida. Plenty of spectators joined in the fun at Roger Dean Stadium, cheering on their favorite teams and participating in kid-friendly activities provided by The Gardens Mall. Wish child Dylan was there to get the ball rolling and kick the first pitch. Sponsored by PNC Bank, this exciting event raised enough funds to grant the wishes of 4 children in the local community.

		Halloween Sound, Light & Laser Show The 2011 Halloween Sound, Light & Laser Show in Boca Raton was a huge success. More than 2,000 people attended during the month of October and $1,800 was raised to grant the wishes of sick children in our community. Special thanks to Mr. Richard Newman, the “Goblin Girls” and Jewel’s Dance Studio.

		FORE Wishes Golf Tournament On October 21, BNY Mellon Wealth Management and Quail West Country Club hosted FORE Wishes Golf Tournament to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida. The day started off with a putting contest, mulligan and raffle sales. Following the tournament, guests enjoyed a buffet lunch and an awards ceremony. The tournament raised $5,000, which will make a child’s wish come true.

		Men Making A Difference On September 17, supporters of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida set sail aboard the beautiful Naples Princess for the Men Making a Difference event. They enjoyed steel drum music provided by J. Robert, great food from Shula’s Steakhouse, beautiful weather, and a chance to learn more about the Foundation. Approximately $3,000 was raised to help grant the wishes of local children battling life-threatening medical conditions.

		Dog Days of Summer On September 15, 2011, Classic Countertops and Floors and Select Magazine hosted The Dog Days of Summer to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Southern Florida. The 3-hour event held at Classic Countertops and Floors in Bonita Springs was free to the public. Guests enjoyed music from New Beginning Events, food and raffles. At the end of the night, the Foundation received a check for $3,224 to help make children’s wishes come true.

		Dr. Shelling’s 4th Annual Kick Off Party & Autograph Signing On Saturday, September 10, Shelling Orthodontics and Maye Pediatric Dentistry teamed up to raise funds to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida. Patients, Make-A-Wish supporters and the Boca Raton community came out for an afternoon of pizza and for a chance to meet Udonis Haslem, Mike Miller, James Jones and Mark Duper. The athletes signed autographs and sports memorabilia in exchange for a suggested $20 donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Over $3,000 was raised, which will help grant Ryan’s wish to go to Walt Disney World®. Thank you Dr. Shelling and Dr. Maye for helping make wishes come true.

		13th Annual Bachelor & Bachelorette Dream Date Auction Love was in the air at the 13th Annual Make-A-Wish Bachelor & Bachelorette Dream Date Auction. In front of a packed and excited crowd at OPIUM Nightclub at the Hard Rock, 21 of South Florida’s hottest singles were auctioned off to the highest bidders, all in support of the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Southern Florida. E! Celebrity Correspondent and Y100’s Michael Yo and Ninalicia from The Yo Show, hosted this amazing event which raised enough funds to grant 11 wishes. For event photos, please visit: http://2011makeawishdreamdateauction.shutterfly.com/

		Roofing Contractors Association of South Florida Fishing Tournament The 32nd Annual Roofing Contractors Association of South Florida Fishing Tournament took place from June 3-5, 2011 at the Hutchinson Island Marriott Resort. This is the second year RCASF chose the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida to benefit from this amazing event. More than $3,800 was raised to partner in granting a child’s wish. A HUGE thank you to all that participated. Special thanks to Jason Carruth and Erika Carruth as well as the RCASF association members.

		Celebrity Bartender Night with Tony Marino Shula’s Steak House in Naples generously hosted a Celebrity Bartender Night featuring local celebrity Tony Marino of the Marino Group. Guests enjoyed cocktails and appetizers in which all gratuities benefited the Foundation. Guests had the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win a weekend getaway including a 2-night stay at the Hilton Naples, dinner at Shula’s Steak House and 3-hour limo services provided by the Marino Group. More than 100 people attended the event, contributing more than $1,500 to continue to grant wishes to local children.

		3rd Annual Family Day on the Deck More than 400 people attended the 3rd Annual Family Day on the Deck aboard the Oasis of the Seas, which was generously underwritten by Royal Caribbean International®. Guests enjoyed the Splish Splash Aqua show, special appearances by Shrek and Fiona and on-deck activities like the carousel, zipline and Flowrider. Several wish families (pictured is wish child Timothy and his family) also joined in this fun event that raised enough funds to grant 6 wishes.

		The Hard Rock Cafe Live Music Event The Hard Rock Cafe Hollywood recently hosted a live music event featuring two local bands, The Dealers and Classic Rock Therapy, to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida. They honored Tatiannah, a local child who is awaiting her wish to meet her favorite actor. One of the bands, The Dealers, features Emily Estefan, daughter of Gloria and Emilio. Both Gloria and Emilio were at the event, met with Tatiannah and took photos with her. At the end of the evening, both Gloria and Emilio said they felt honored to be a part of the event. Hard Rock Café presented Tatiannah with a gift basket of goodies, a signed guitar and a framed “gold record.” Hard Rock Café, one of the Foundation’s newest National Partners, is also raising funds to grant wishes through the sale of its Signature Series 28 t-shirt and pin, designed by Ringo Starr. 15 percent of the purchase price of the Signature Series 28 items will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation via The Lotus Foundation, Ringo Starr’s charitable foundation. For more info or to purchase, click here.

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