West Des Moines, Iowa – On Saturday, May 1, 2021, Make-A-Wish® Iowa celebrated a record-breaking event of granting 40 life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses at the annual Des Moines Gala after an uncertain year. Supporters gathered in person for the first time in over a year to raise funds that will grant hope for children in the hardest fight of their lives.
The event’s success will greatly impact the wish children waiting for their wish. Currently, 330 children in Iowa are waiting for their wish to be granted, with half these wishes being delayed due to COVID-19 and travel restrictions. Every eligible child deserves a wish to give them the strength, resilience and courage they need to fight harder. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic Make-A-Wish Iowa was able to spark imagination and deliver strength to 108 children in 2020 throughout the state, with 41 of the wishes from the Des Moines area.
“Our chapter wouldn’t be able to grant these wishes at the caliber we grant them without the generous support from our donors,” said Sara Kurovski, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish Iowa. “Seeing our community come together to raise funds for wishes shows us that together, we can transform lives, one wish at a time.”
A Make-A-Wish experience is more than a moment in time, it brings hope where there is fear, strength where there is anxiety, and joy where there is sadness. Often, a wish come true is a catalyst to better health. It empowers children with critical illnesses to fight harder against their illnesses. It helps children feel stronger, more energetic, more willing and able to battle their critical illnesses. For many, a wish marks a turning point in the fight against their illnesses or a celebration of their journey.
Next year’s gala will be held on May 7, 2022, at the Community Choice Credit Union, to reserve your sponsorship or table, email Natalie Brecht at [email protected].