April 12, 2017

Wish Ball Raises $2.2 Million-Plus

Wish kid Jamie with her sister Katie; guest dancing with wish kid Veronica; Andrea Stewart-Pritchett, Katie Wilson and Evon Yaro-Fig

Make-A-Wish Arizona, the founding chapter of Make-A-Wish, raised more than $2.2 million during its Black & White Wish Ball on March 25 at the JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn. The funds will help grant approximately 320 future Arizona wishes. The black-tie evening was presented by Good Night Pediatrics.

The event was mission-focused, featuring seven Arizona wish kids and their wish stories, including highlighted wish kid Jamie, 14, who wished to go to Costa Rica after beating cancer. Her video and speech to the crowd received a standing ovation.

More than 800 people attended the event, which featured a live auction that included two unique opportunities for attendees: the chance to be written into a best-selling novel by author Clive Cussler and the potential to win a Harley-Davidson Street 500c and a tattoo with Bob Parsons, founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation and owner of Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale.

During the bidding, both Cussler and Parsons matched their bids. Cussler’s item raised a total of $270,000, with two bidders winning the prize and Cussler matching the $90,000 bid.

Parsons offered up not only the Harley-Davidson, but also a Bob’s Biker Blast experience, complete with VIP tickets and on-stage invitation. The items raised $67,000 total, which was matched by Renee and Bob Parsons. In addition, the Renee and Bob Parsons stunned guests with a surprise announcement to match all Fund-A-Wish donations. Combined, support by the Parsons during the Wish Ball topped $650,000 for future Arizona wishes.

Andrea Stewart-Pritchett, Katie Wilson and Evon Yaro-Fig co-chaired the successful evening.

PHOTOS BY BEN ARNOLD AND LOREN ANDERSON PHOTOGRAPHY

Auctioneer Leticia Frye with wish kid Nikolas, who wished to meet Pope Francis; wish kid Elijah with co-chair Evon Yaro-Fig, Julie Morrison and Dana Snyder

Co-chair Evon Yaro-Fig with members of the Wish Ball committee

Make-A-Wish Arizona Board Member Adam Stine (in white) with his guests

Make-A-Wish Arizona Board Member Catherine Anaya with wish kid Jamie; Oscar de la Salas and Carol Hutchinson Clemmensen with Jill Krigsten Riley and Rod Riley

JoAnn Holland and Debbie Gaby; Make-A-Wish Board Member Jennifer Moser and Kindra Hall

Seated: Clive and Janet Cussler. Standing: The two bidders who won a chance to be in his next best-selling novel, Jay Petkunas and Rick Cox, and Make-A-Wish Arizona CEO Elizabeth Reich