Sophia Skrede, a 10-year-old Kaukana girl who suffers from a rare liver disorder, had a simple wish: A backyard play house where she and those close to her could spend time outside safely.

Staying indoors on a beautiful day is hard for most people, but one Kaukauna girl is about to enjoy a lot more sunshine thanks to a new playhouse from Make-A-Wish.

Call it a dream come true! Make-A-Wish Wisconsin flew a Brookfield girl to Los Angeles, so she could meet her favorite actress. "I’ve always had a thing for acting," said Amara Lehman.

Bennett Cornish, a three-year-old boy from Eau Claire who loves to be outside had one wish come true on Sunday, thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. "He is very energetic, outgoing, three-year-old little boy," said Jeanette Dickinson, a wish granter for Make-A-Wish Wisconsin.

Make-A-Wish Wisconsin has a party in the works that aims to benefit the organization while providing plenty of fun.

Cheers for Wishes is a Mardi Gras-themed fundraising event with the goal of sending 17-year-old Kaylee to the Florida Keys to grant her life-changing wish. Participants can enjoy live local music, a silent auction, live artists, an appetizer station, King Cake, casino tables, as well as festive beads and masquerade masks.

Although Milwaukee Bucks guard Pat Connaughton was the featured speaker for the launch of the community’s Make-A-Wish fundraiser, no one was more qualified to talk on the topic than Rick Witte.

The Mukwonago girls basketball coach’s 7-year-old son Ricky is a Wish kid.

The annual Mukwonago for Wishes fundraiser is underway with a spark from Bucks wing Pat Connaughton.

That officially tips off the 13th edition of the free throw-a thon. They’re aiming to raise $150,000 that will help grant 30 wishes.

“Just strength, hope and community. At the end of the day these events are supposed to be fun, but they’re also supposed to be able to take something from it and learn from it. Make-A-Wish has done a great job including kids and making, granting wishes within the game of basketball. Specifically with the Milwaukee Bucks. Finding ways to use sport as a vehicle to empower the next generation," said Connaughton.

On Thursday, Jan. 19, Milwaukee Bucks Guard Pat Connaughton will be the featured speaker at the annual Mukwonago Community Kids For Wish Kids kickoff event at 6 p.m. at the Mukwonago High School Gym. Connaughton will be joined by Coach Rick Witte, Mukwonago Varsity Girls Basketball Coach and Make-A-Wish® dad.

The Green Bay Packers Foundation and Greater Green Bay Community Foundation are once again partnering to host the 6th annual Give BIG Green Bay, an event that highlights nonprofit organizations working to improve life in the community.

Give BIG Green Bay is an innovative program providing a way to learn more about the work of participating nonprofits, including Make-A-Wish Wisconsin, and donate, at any level, to the causes they champion.

Pat Connaughton helps the Bucks rack up Ws on the court – and this week he'll aim to spark triumphs off the court as well by helping kick off the annual Mukwonago Community Kids for Wish Kids fundraising push, running through Feb. 2.

Connaughton will serve as the featured speaker – along with Mukwonago varsity girls basketball coach and Make-A-Wish dad Rick Witte – at the fundraising effort's kickoff event, hosted from 6-7:15 p.m. at the Mukwonago High School Gym, 605 W. Veterans Way.