SCOTTSDALE, AZ (April 6, 2026) – Make-A-Wish Arizona is proud to announce that $2.4 million was raised at Wish Ball 2026: Passport to Wishes, held on March 28 at the JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa.  

With more than 800 guests in attendance, the evening transported supporters on a global adventure of hope, celebrating the power of a wish and the collective impact of a community dedicated to making them come true. Inspired by Make-A-Wish Arizona’s most popular wish type, “I wish to go,” Passport to Wishes highlighted the transformative power of travel, as nearly 75 percent of wishes involve travel experiences.  

The gala, co-chaired by Lee Courtney and Make-A-Wish Arizona board member Audrey Alfano, brought together community leaders and supporters for an unforgettable evening centered on mission and impact. Notable attendees included Paradise Valley Mayor Mark Stanton, Monica Villalobos of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Frankie Jo Rios of the East Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. 

Seventeen Wish Alumni and their families attended the event, including Wish Kid Miles, who served as co-emcee alongside ABC15 Arizona’s Nick Ciletti. The program featured four wish stories: Christopher’s wish to go on a Disney Cruise Line® to the Bahamas, Mateo’s wish to go to England to see Manchester United play at Old Trafford, and Andrea’s wish to go to South Korea to experience K-pop culture, along with a testimonial from wish dad Tony Sharpe, who shared the lasting impact of his daughter Lainy’s wish to go to Walt Disney World® Resort. 

The evening also included a special recognition of Make-A-Wish Arizona’s Starblazer Awards, honoring extraordinary wish alumni who exemplify the lasting power of a wish. These individuals received a wish as children and have carried that experience forward into lives of purpose and leadership, making a positive impact in their communities and beyond. The recognition program was made possible through generous leadership gifts from longtime Make-A-Wish Arizona donors Jeff and Anna Saplis, Michael Halle, and the Jeff and Jenny Wright Family.  

“Because of this community and evenings like this, wishes do more than create joyful moments, they build strength, restore hope, and help children face their medical journeys with renewed resilience,” said Fran Mallace, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish Arizona. “Every dollar raised brings us closer to our vision of granting the wish of every eligible child. These wishes are a vital part of a child’s healing journey.” 

The evening featured a live auction, silent auction, and Fund-A-Wish, where guests contributed directly to help grant wishes for critically ill children across Arizona. The program concluded with a celebratory moment on the dance floor, as Wish Kids helped kick off the after-party and invite guests to continue the celebration. 

In the past fiscal year, Make-A-Wish Arizona granted a record-breaking 476 wishes, the highest in the founding chapter’s history. This year, the organization aims to build on that momentum by expanding outreach efforts to ensure every eligible child across Arizona receives a wish. With the continued support of the community, sponsors, and Wish Ball attendees, that vision is within reach. 

To learn more about Make-A-Wish Arizona and how to get involved, visit arizona.wish.org.   

 
About Make-A-Wish® Arizona 

Make-A-Wish Arizona grants life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Together with generous donors, supporters, staff and volunteers, Make-A-Wish delivers hope and joy to children and their families when they need it most. Make-A-Wish brings the power of wishing to every child with a critical illness because wish experiences can help improve emotional and physical health. Founded in Arizona in 1980, Make-A-Wish Arizona has granted more than 8,500 wishes in the local community, contributing to the more than 650,000 wishes granted worldwide; with more than 400,000 wishes in the U.S. and its territories alone. With 57 chapters nationwide, Make-A-Wish is the most trusted nonprofit operating locally across 50 states. For more information about Make-A-Wish Arizona, visit arizona.wish.org.  

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