Make-A-Wish Announces Wish Ball | The Hero Within

The magic of wish heroes to be featured in action packed night

Houston, TX (Oct. 22, 2024) – Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana today announced the exciting news that its second-annual black-tie gala will be held in Houston on May 2, 2025, at the Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston. This year’s Wish Ball honorary chairs are Beth and Dan Bellow who have been , supporters and champions for Make-A Wish’s mission for more than two decades. Dan, President of Jones Lang LaSalle, Houston has also served as a board member and advisor for the local chapter.

Themed “Wish Ball | The Hero Within,” the organization’s highly anticipated gala will celebrate the magic of wish heroes in our community with action-packed surprises along the way. Make-A-Wish will also recognize the support and wish granting generosity of Mandy S. Williams, who has been a long-time leader for the chapter, serving as both board member and advisor for many decades. In addition to serving on multiple committees, she has helped grant wishes and raised over $1 million.

Additionally, the Wish Ball will feature Enterprise Mobility, the gala’s first-ever corporate honoree, for their commitment to the mission of Make-A-Wish. Enterprise Mobility has been a corporate partner since 2021, contributing nearly $800,000 and helping to grant countless wishes. In addition to holding employee giving campaigns annually, the Enterprise Mobility Foundation matches employees’ contributions.

Melissa Wilson of Fox 26, a Make-A-Wish volunteer, will lead the evening as emcee.

“We’re thrilled to celebrate the many heroes who help make wishes possible every day. The hearts of Houstonians continue to inspire us, and we are looking forward to celebrating another impactful event,” said Shelly Millwee, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana.

In 2024, the chapter’s inaugural Wish Ball raised a remarkable $1.7 million towards its mission of granting wishes for children with critical illnesses. This year’s event aims to follow suit while also leaving the crowd full of hope, inspiration, and joy.

During the last 40 years, Make-A-Wish has granted more than 11,500 wishes for children diagnosed with critical illnesses in our community. In 2024, Make-A-Wish granted 602 wishes across its Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana territory. Even with this tremendous success, more than 1,200 children in our region are waiting for their wishes to come true.

Wish Ball is a unique opportunity to be part of the wish journey, raising the critical funds needed to grant a wish when a child needs it the most.

The Wish Ball is locally sponsored by Kaneka, Red & Black Productions, LP, Kristin and Barry Palmer, Carol and Bill Windham, and Amy and Allen William. The event’s magazine partner is PaperCity Magazine.

More details about the Wish Ball, including entertainment, ticket sales, and sponsorship opportunities, are available through the gala website: www.wishballhouston.org and/or by emailing [email protected]. To request a story with a Wish Ball representative and/or Wish “Hero,” contact Michelle Mason, Director of Marketing & Communications at [email protected], or 713.562.5594.