Wish Ball raises record $2.4 million for Make-A-Wish® Arizona.
PHOENIX (May 1, 2013) – Make-A-Wish® Arizona is pleased to announce that the 2013 Rat Pack Wish Ball presented by Go Daddy, raised more than $2.4 million toward the granting of future wishes for Arizona children with life-threatening medical conditions.
The ball, celebrated on April 27, was marked by a generous $1.4 million donation from The Bob and Renee Parsons Foundation. Bob Parsons and his wife Renee, who served as co-chair of this year’s Wish Ball, have been long-time supporters of Make-A-Wish Arizona.“Make-A-Wish Arizona brings hope and joy to kids in our community who are going through very serious medical issues,” said Bob Parsons. “The Bob and Renee Parsons Foundation is rooted in hope and we believe, by funding wishes, we will make a difference.”
Elizabeth Reich, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish Arizona, was thrilled by the impromptu $1.4 million donation, but not surprised by the level of commitment from Bob and Renee Parsons and the other 470 attendees who helped to raise the dollar figure by more than 200 percent over the 2012 Wish Ball.
“It has been a year-long journey to get to where we are today, reflecting on the generosity of so many people who donated their time and resources to make this year’s Wish Ball a success,” said Renee Parsons. “When the community comes together, like they did on Saturday evening, amazing things happen – wishes come true.”
“The evening was a success not only because of the dollars we raised, but also because everyone at the event was able to meet the wish kids and their family members during the ball,” said Reich. “When people see and hear first-hand the impact a wish can have on a child who is dealing with a life-threatening medical condition, they know that their donation is going toward creating a memory that will live with that child, that family, for the rest of their lives.”
The 2013 Rat Pack Wish Ball presented by Go Daddy, the Web’s top platform for small businesses, was held at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess and included a live auction, a silent auction and Fund-A-Wish portion of the evening. It also featured Rat Pack impersonators Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr. and Dean Martin.