4 newportbeachindy . com DECEMBER 22 , 2023

Carry Ferry ( presenting sponsor ), RJ and Adrienne Brandes Make-a-Wish gala décor

By NB Indy Staff

Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire hosted its annual gala , “ The Make-A-Wish Gala : An Evening in Monaco ,” at the beautiful Balboa Bay Resort in October in Newport Beach .

More than 300 guests attended the gala , which raised more than $ 800,000 for local wishes .

Attendees were part of the magic as the chapter shared a magnificent milestone in its 40-year history by granting what represents its 8,000th wish . Guests witnessed the wish experience from beginning to end , gaining a deeper understanding of how a child ’ s one true wish is discovered and the integral roles who bring it to life .

The milestone wish was granted to 10-year-old Xayden , who bravely completed his treatment for leukemia and had been on his wish journey for

EDITORIAL

EDITOR Christopher Trela christopher @ newportbeachindy . com

DESIGN / PRODUCTION

CREATIVE & MARKETING DIRECTOR Tracy Powell over a year . He was stunned to see his story come to life as the community behind his medical treatment and those involved in discovering his wish were sitting among the crowd . The real surprise for everyone came as a crate sporting a large lime green bow approached the stage revealing Xayden ’ s granted wish — a puppy !

Xayden ’ s wish was brought to life with the help of the Orange County Sherriff ’ s Department , Orange County Fire Department , John Wayne Airport , Southwest Airlines and Harbor Patrol .

“ This year ’ s gala was monumental for our chapter as we commemorated 40 years of granting hope-filled wishes and celebrated the milestone representing our 8,000th wish among our community of partners , donors , volunteers and wish families ,” said Gloria Jetter Crockett , President

and CEO of Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire . “ The wish experience is incredibly powerful for our wish kids , and we wanted our guests to feel the profound impact they help create with their continued support . We are so grateful for generosity of our supporters to raise more than $ 800,000 to fulfill wishes for children across Orange , Riverside , and San Bernardino Counties .”

Upon arrival to the Balboa Bay Resort , guests were transported to Monaco , one of the world ’ s most elite destinations through an elegant cocktail reception .

Attendees enjoyed a delicious dinner followed by the evening ’ s program emceed by KTLA Midday Anchor and Reporter Glen Walker . The “ Wish Wednesday ” host was also joined by Linda Pauling , the mother of Chris Grecious , whose granted wish to be

SALES

ADVERTISING SALES TEAM Carol Josepher , Chris Mattingley , Dawn Lindeman , Mara Hertel

PRODUCTION MANAGER Tina Leydecker tina @ firebrandmediainc . com

ADVERTISING & CIRCULATION : Tel : 949-715-4100 | Fax : 949-715-4106 a police officer inspired the founding of the Make-A-Wish organization . Sharing Chris ’ story , Linda also spoke about the impact of the first official wish granted by the Make-A-Wish Foundation to Frank “ Bopsy ” Salazar , which was fulfilled right here in Orange County .

During cocktail hour , guests enjoyed the musical stylings of wish alum “ Shane the DJ ” for the second year in a row . Shane knows the power of a wish firsthand as his wish for professional DJ equipment was granted through Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire . During the evening , a beautiful pair of flower stud diamond earrings at $ 25,000 donated by Lugano Diamonds was raffled off to one lucky winner . Guests also bid on auction items like a Saint Laurent crossbody

MAKE-A-WISH Page 14

PUBLISHER EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Steve Zepezauer

PRESIDENT OF SALES & MARKETING Scott Sanchez

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Tiffany Thompson

MAILING ADDRESS : 900 Glenneyre Street , Suite B , Laguna Beach , CA 92651 | Tel : 949-715-4100 | Fax : 949-715-4106 | www . newportbeachindy . com