ALBANY, New York (May 20, 2021) – With a timely message that we cannot wait for hope but rather must create it, Make-A-Wish Northeast New York will host its Hope Shines Brightly Virtual Gala at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 10, airing on wishgalaneny.org and its Facebook page.

The annual gala, being held virtually for the second year in a row, will feature more than a dozen wish kids, with several being spotlighted. See and hear how Jack’s service dog wish and Cameron’s wish to go on his senior class trip in high school changed their lives. And there will also be a surprise wish reveal!

“The Gala, whether virtual or in person, serves to highlight our mission, energize all the people inspired by the power of a wish and raise the funds necessary to create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses,” said William C. Trigg, III, CEO of Make-A-Wish Northeast New York. “It is a night to celebrate — and to work toward creating hope for wish kids and families.” 

Hosting the evening is Tiffany Rowe, a professional life coach who is very much attuned to the Make-A-Wish mission. Not only is she a former Make-A-Wish_® America Board member, but she is also a wish alum. In 1988, the then-15-year-old met and was later called on stage to dance in concert with Michael Jackson.

"I have been a 30-plus year volunteer for Make-A-Wish and the mission is in my very bones," the Chair of the National Board Alumni Association said. "My dedication to Make-A-Wish started with the granting of my own wish.

“I could never give back in equal measure to the impact my wish had on my life and it is my honor to travel the country as a national spokesperson, raising awareness and support for our incredible mission.”

The evening will feature the chapter’s signature online auction, with items ranging from vacation packages to gift certificates from local merchants to so much more that meets every price point. To donate or bid on auction items ahead of the Gala or on Gala night, go to wishgalaneny.org.

Make-A-Wish grants life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Make-A-Wish Northeast New York serves the 15 counties comprising the 518 and 838 area codes. The chapter grants 90-100 wishes in a normal year, and has granted nearly 2,000 wishes since 1987. For more information about Make-A-Wish, visit wish.org/neny and discover how you can share the power of a wish^®.