Zenoids Doing Good: Make-A-Wish® Illinois Wish Ball – Zeno Group’s Own Superheroes
Make-A-Wish® grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich their lives with hope, strength and joy. Last year (2012), Make-A-Wish® Illinois, one of the largest chapters in the country, granted 716 wishes across the state and this year the organization is on track to grant even more. Wishes can be an important part of the treatment process, empowering children to make decisions and providing strength to comply with medical treatments – and I have seen this first-hand as a my young cousin was granted a wish during his challenging battle with Leukemia. In my professional career, I made a point to give back to the organization, helping with Wish Ball, their largest annual fundraiser event.
Four Wish Ball galas later, and now serving as a returning Co-Chair in a Marketing/PR capacity, Wish Ball 2013 on May 18th was full of “Superheroes” – the evening’s theme – where guests enjoyed a seated dinner as well as appetizer and dessert stations, dancing, a raffle, live and silent auctions and entertainment by the talented actor comedian Martin Short. The emcees were the engaging Windy City Live! hosts Val Warner and Ryan Chiaverini.
There was a special performance of “the story of Beetle Boy” (see comic below) which was presented by legendary Bill Kurtis (via video) and guests enjoyed video messages from Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, actor comedian Steve Carell, chef Rick Bayless, Chicago Firefighters and more influencers throughout the evening.
Fellow Zenoids generously donated their time for this dynamic event – Eileen Earley served on the Wish Ball board planning since October and Stephanie Chaney supported as on-site celebrity assistant and event support throughout the day. It was not only a labor of love by us Zenoids, but for hundreds who donate their time that made this event a smashing success.
We are proud to report the event raised $1.3 million dollars – one of the best years yet! Amazing.
Be sure to follow all of this year’s Wish Ball 2013 images searching #WishBall13 and follow Make-A-Wish Illinois on Twitter at @WishIllinois and Facebook. You can also view our pinboard on Pinterest.
