Make-A-Wish® Arizona hybrid Wish Ball event raises $3.1 million

Robbie Matthews, who had his wish for flying lessons, granted in 2005.

Make-A-Wish Arizona hybrid Wish Ball event raises $3.1 million to grant future wishes

SCOTTSDALE (March 24, 2021) – Make-A-Wish Arizona is pleased to announce the 2021 Make-A-Wish Arizona Wish Ball presented by Phusion Projects raised more than $3.1 million in a single night. The funds will help grant the more than 548 wishes Make-A-Wish Arizona is currently planning with Arizona wish kids and families.

This event, which celebrates the mission of Make-A-Wish Arizona by raising funds to grant the wishes of Arizona children with critical illnesses, was the organization’s first hybrid event, with approximately 270 attendees in a typical 1,000 person room at the JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa and many more supporters watching virtually from home.

“I am so proud of the tireless passion and dedication of the Make-A-Wish Arizona team,” said President and Executive Creative Director of PXG Apparel Renee Parsons. “For 40 years, the organization has been a bright star for countless families, granting spectacular, personalized wishes to children facing critical illnesses.”

This year’s theme, Star Light, Star Bright, was the idea of the four co-chairs: Jill Krigsten Riley, Mari Lederman, Jennifer Moser and Renee Parsons.

The total raised included a surprise $2 million gift from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. Longtime supporters of the cause, over the past 15 years Bob and Renee Parsons have donated more than $12 million to the organization.

“During these uncertain times, Make-A-Wish is offering families much needed, heartwarming magic,” said Founder and CEO of PXG Bob Parsons. “The life-changing hope and excitement that a child experiences when a wish is granted is more important now than ever.”

“The gift from the Parsons was the icing on the cake of a successful event,” said President and CEO of Make-A-Wish Arizona Elizabeth Reich. “Since the Parsons started giving, Make-A-Wish Arizona has grown exponentially every year to reach more and more wish kids. This new gift will enable us to keep our momentum as we bring hope to children, even during pandemic restrictions.”

Make-A-Wish Arizona has a goal to grant 340 wishes this fiscal year. The chapter granted 255 during the 2020 Fiscal Year due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Wish Ball Co-Chairs for 2021 included Renee Parsons, Jennifer Moser, Jill Krigsten Riley and Mari Lederman.

Jeff and Jenny Wright from Phusion Projects, the presenting sponsor of the 2021 Wish Ball

Jeff and Jenny Wright of Phusion Projects. Phusion Projects was the presenting sponsor for the 2021 Make-A-Wish Arizona Wish Ball, which raised $3.1 million toward future Arizona wishes.

Renee and Bob Parsons donated a $2 million gift during the event!

Bob and Renee Parsons of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation donated a surprise $2 million toward future wishes to end the event.

Janet Cussler, Joe Riley, Rod Riley and Jill Krigsten Riley at Wish Ball 2021

Janet Cussler, Joe Riley, Rod Riley and Jill Krigsten Riley attend Wish Ball 2021 presented by Phusion Projects.

Oliver Badgio and Rudy Sleiman are board members for Make-A-Wish Arizona.

Make-A-Wish Arizona Board Member Oliver Badgio with Alice Rodd O'Rourke from Make-A-Wish America and fellow Board Member Rudy Sleiman from Deloitte with wife Sandra Sleiman.

Craig and Carolyn Jackson from Barrett-Jackson

Carolyn and Craig Jackson from Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Auction attended as guests and as supporters, offering the biggest live auction item of the night, a VIP Package to the 2022 Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Auction.

Dave and Dennett Jones, Mark and Lisa Lorenzen and Rick and Judy Cox attended the 2021 Wish Ball. Dave and Dennett Jones donated the Disney Raffle prize, which raised more than $36,000 toward future Arizona wishes.

Gene and Linda Pauling. Linda Pauling is the mother of Chris Greicius, the 7-year-old boy who inspired a group of volunteers to create Make-A-Wish after he had his wish to be a police officer granted in 1980.

Board Member Catherine Anaya (in gold) and friends enjoyed Wish Ball 2021 and the inspirational wish stories that were shared both in-person and virtually.

Three of the four co-chairs were able to attend Wish Ball 2021 in person: Mari Lederman, Jennifer Moser and Jill Krigsten Riley. Renee Parsons attended virtually from home.