BIG Wish a BIG Success!

Gala at Ohio Stadium Raises More than $840,000

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More than $840,000 was raised at the BIG Wish Gala, 25th anniversary celebration of the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® of Greater Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana held at Ohio Stadium on May 9.

More than 860 guests from the tri-state area bid on spectacular auction packages and enjoyed performances by country music singer/songwriter Phil Vassar and violin sensations Nuttin’ But Stringz. Rascal Flatts, who was slated to perform, was forced to cancel their concert when lead singer Gary LeVox became ill.

Major sponsors, who collectively contributed more than $300,000 in funds and gifts in-kind include Fifth Third Bank, Kahiki Foods, Kokosing Construction Company, Medical Mutual of Ohio, NetJets and Trane Commercial Systems.

“In a shrinking economy where most non-profits are reducing programs and staff, we took a big risk,” commented President and CEO Susan McConnell. “Thank you seems such an insufficient term for the gratitude we feel right now.”

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The star-studded event, hosted by NBC 4 Anchor Colleen Marshall, featured ESPN College Football Analyst Kirk Herbstreit and OSU Head Football Coach Jim Tressel, as well as wish children and their families.

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Jay DeMarcus, who plays bass guitar for Rascal Flatts, was on hand to accept the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of America Chris Greicius Celebrity Award. Rascal Flatts has granted 19 wishes for the Foundation since 2000.

“Since 1984, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana has granted more than 7,400 wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions,” said McConnell. “The success of the BIG Wish Gala will enable us to reduce our two-year backlog of pending wishes and continue to provide “BIG Wishes” for the courageous kids we serve.”

“Our guests bid generously on auction items, raised the paddle to fund wishes and enjoyed a memorable evening. All and all, my BIG wish for our silver anniversary celebration came true,” remarked McConnell.