Make-A-Wish® Arizona hybrid Wish Ball event raises $3.1 million to grant future wishes
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (March 22, 2021) – Make-A-Wish Arizona is pleased to announce the 2021 Make-A-Wish Arizona Wish Ball presented by Phusion Projects raised more than $3.1 million in a single night. The funds will help grant the more than 548 wishes Make-A-Wish Arizona is currently planning with Arizona wish kids and families.
This event, which celebrates the mission of Make-A-Wish Arizona by raising funds to grant the wishes of Arizona children with critical illnesses, was the organization’s first hybrid event, with approximately 270 attendees in a typical 1,000 person room at the JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa and many more supporters watching virtually from home.
“I am so proud of the tireless passion and dedication of the Make-A-Wish Arizona team,” said President and Executive Creative Director of PXG Apparel Renee Parsons. “For 40 years, the organization has been a bright star for countless families, granting spectacular, personalized wishes to children facing critical illnesses.”
This year’s theme, Star Light, Star Bright, was the idea of the four co-chairs: Jill Krigsten Riley, Mari Lederman, Jennifer Moser and Renee Parsons.
The total raised included a surprise $2 million gift from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. Longtime supporters of the cause, over the past 15 years Bob and Renee Parsons have donated more than $12 million to the organization.
“During these uncertain times, Make-A-Wish is offering families much needed, heartwarming magic,” said Founder and CEO of PXG Bob Parsons. “The life-changing hope and excitement that a child experiences when a wish is granted is more important now than ever.”
“The gift from the Parsons was the icing on the cake of a successful event,” said President and CEO of Make-A-Wish Arizona Elizabeth Reich. “Since the Parsons started giving, Make-A-Wish Arizona has grown exponentially every year to reach more and more wish kids. This new gift will enable us to keep our momentum as we bring hope to children, even during pandemic restrictions.”
Make-A-Wish Arizona has a goal to grant 340 wishes this fiscal year. The chapter granted 255 during the 2020 Fiscal Year due to COVID-19 restrictions.
About Make-A-Wish® Arizona
Make-A-Wish® Arizona is the founding chapter of Make-A-Wish®, the world’s largest wish granting organization which grants life-changing wishes for kids with critical illnesses. With the help of generous donors, Make-A-Wish Arizona has a goal to grant more than 340 wishes this year. For more information, visit arizona.wish.org.