Event Highlights

FASHION SHOW LUNCHEON

FSL committee members with this year's wish kid ambassadors.

The latest designs by Stella McCartney were on display at the Fashion Show Luncheon at Wolfgang Puck’s Spago inside The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. Every November, Las Vegas’ most prominent women gather at this intimate fundraiser to support our mission. This year’s fundraising total was up 116% from last year, including an anonymous $250k grant, $100k estate gift, and thanks to committee member Kristine Creel who took Vegas Magazine’s Vegas Gives event to a new level by raising more than $75k.

An aerial view of the event inside Wolfgang Puck's Spago

FSL committee members, including Kristine Creel (far right)

FSL committee chair, Linda Richardson, speaks to the attendees as her daughter and co-chair, Melissa Akkaway, looks on.

WALK FOR WISHES

Wish kid ambassadors during the parade.

In March, thousands of local families, volunteers, and supporters came together for our annual Walk For Wishes ® fundraiser, presented by Allegiant. Participants enjoyed a carnival-like atmosphere with a 5K run and 1-mile walk. Media personalities Kim and Dana Wagner from News 3 and Mercedes and JC from Mix 94.1 welcomed the crowd and hosted a wish parade on stage. Our fundraising total was supported by community partner sponsorships that increased by 11% and illusionist Criss Angel, who repeated his gift of $100k for the 2nd year.

And they're off!

This year's theme was "Take a walk on the Wish side."

Members of Team Allegiant, this year's presenting sponsor.

WINE & WISHES MEDICAL OUTREACH EVENT

Event attendees enjoy a glass of wine before the presentation.

What happens when a wish becomes powerful medicine? That was the focus of this year’s Wine & Wishes event held at The Wishing Place. Dr. Anup Patel, M.D. joined us for an eye-opening interview moderated by longtime Make-A-Wish supporter and KLAS-TV host, Kendall Tenney. Dr. Patel is a pediatric neurologist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus,Ohio and has served on Make-A-Wish’s National Medical Advisory Council. He believes a wish is an instrumental tool in any care plan and shared his progress on research that shows a wish has a significant impact on a sick child’s well-being. The Wishing Place was packed with supporters who left feeling inspired by the true impact of a wish.

Dr. Anup Patel shares the power of a wish as part of a child's medical treatment.

Longtime volunteer, Betty, with a wish kid ambassador.

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION EVENT

This year's volunteer award winners.

More than 100 volunteers gathered at The Wishing Place in June for our annual Volunteer Appreciation event, sponsored by Southwest Medical. The evening featured food from California Pizza Kitchen, a variety of interactive stations, a special performance by magician Landon Swank, and some over-the-top raffle prizes. We honored our amazing volunteers with awards that included:

• Junior Volunteer of the Year: Jaren Medina

• Rookie of the Year: Leslie Nizama

• Ambassador of the Year: Ann Treslley

• Wish Angel of the Year: Cheryl Hartfield

• Office Angel of the Year: Norma Ellis

• Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year: Stephanie Driscoll

• Volunteers of the Year: Jill & Sean Gilliam

Our volunteers generously give of their time and talents to our organization. We look forward to this annual event as our opportunity to show them our deep gratitude.

Volunteer and MAWSNV board member, Edgar, greets a staff member.

Wish Angel of the Year, Cheryl, speaks to the attendees.