Fans in Beloit got the chance to meet some familiar faces Sunday during a celebrity softball game. Organizers say the real focus was helping children battling critical illnesses.

Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport has debuted a new look for its Make-A-Wish Kids Zones, showcasing a collaborative partnership between Make-A-Wish and Green Bay Packers Give Back.

At Make-A-Wish Wisconsin, the mission is clear: “We grant life-changing wishes to children with critical illnesses,” says Haley Gengler, the organization’s wish experience manager. The nonprofit has fulfilled more than 9,000 wishes since its inception, covering everything from singing with an orchestra to a Parisian-style bedroom makeover and bringing home a goldendoodle puppy.

Not surprisingly, granting such a wide range of wishes creates significant procurement challenges for the Make-A-Wish Wisconsin team.

Fletcher Draper, a nine-year-old diagnosed with a rare blood disorder, celebrated his remission with a Disney-themed send-off at Landmark Credit Union Corp, thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Now it's time to unveil the four former honorees who are continuing to make an impact on the Southeast Wisconsin economy. These four Southeast Wisconsin business and community leaders — chosen from nearly three and a half decades of 40 Under 40 classes — will be inducted into the 40 Under 40 Hall of Fame.

You can show some love with a heart-shaped pizza from Lou Malnati's throughout February, and when you do, the pizzeria chain will show some love to Make-A-Wish Wisconsin.

On Sunday, Wishmakers of Wisconsin hosted their fifth Annual Skating with Santa event at the Mullet Ice Center. "Inside the Mullet Ice Center, we have kids skating. We have cookie decorating, giveaways for all of our participants and it's really just a great way to get the community together," said Allie Jorgensen, Wishmakers of Wisconsin Chair.

If you could make one wish come true, what would it be? Established in 1980, Make-A-Wish is a nonprofit organization on a mission to grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Today, the organization has proudly granted more than 585,000 wishes worldwide, fostering hope and resilience in the lives of each child and their loved ones. Just west of downtown Milwaukee is the Make-A-Wish Wisconsin headquarters. The chapter was established in 1984 and has since become a community change-maker, granting upwards of 400 wishes annually. In October, Make-A-Wish Wisconsin granted its 9,000th wish, a memorable milestone for the chapter.

On Dec. 11, Make-A-Wish Wisconsin will kick off its 17th Annual Wishful Giving Radio Event on B97.3FM, aiming to raise funds to grant wishes and bring joy to Wisconsin kids battling critical illnesses.

In anticipation of the campaign, we had the privilege of meeting Vera, a wish kid from Mukwonago, and spending a few magical hours with her at Blue’s Egg Bakery as she pursued her passion: baking.

More than 20 Make-A-Wish children and their families gathered at The Plaza in Neenah on Tuesday night for an evening of holiday fun hosted by Make-A-Wish Wisconsin.