Wishes Granted, Miracles Happened, the Scent of Magnolias Filled the Air and The Big Easy Saluted at Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana’s “Wish Ball”

Wishes Granted, Miracles Happened, the Scent of Magnolias Filled the Air and The Big Easy Saluted at Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana’s “Wish Ball”

“When You Wish Upon a Ball, Miracles Among Magnolias Happen!” Seven hundred guests did just that at the annual Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana “Wish Ball,” where miracles unfolded as the organization raised $1.8 million to grant the wishes of children facing critical illnesses.

Louisiana natives and Houston transplants Kristin and Barry Palmer chaired this auspicious gala and infused “The Big Easy” flair into the theme, décor, entertainment, cuisine, and auction items. Taking well-deserved bows as honoree was longtime advocate Valero, and global chemical manufacturer Kaneka served as Presenting Sponsor.

Those arriving for the “bon temps” celebration were greeted with signature drinks served from two ice bars, generously donated by Sire Spirits, G Unity, E.E. Reed Construction, and Clear Companies. A raffle featuring a luxurious New Orleans getaway, with lodging courtesy of Hotel Monteleone and dinner at Brennan’s, along with additional prizes, had guests clamoring to buy tickets. The silent auction kept bidders smiling and engaged until the Second Line Band led the way into the luxuriously decorated ballroom. The décor team at Let It Fly transformed the space into a setting of charm and elegance, reminiscent of a Bourbon Street mansion, featuring lush fabrics and antique and glass candelabras. With support from H-E-B’s floral department, tables bloomed with grace and style!

As always, the most moving moments of this event were the stories shared by Make-A-Wish kids and the ways their wishes changed their lives. This event was no exception. Chairs Kristin and Barry Palmer shared a memorable COVID moment: an unforgettable Zoom call with Wish Kid DJ. They asked what his wish was. He responded, “to not have cancer.” Fast-forward to this evening’s gala, and DJ was there to exchange hugs and offer his Grantor couple their well-deserved thanks. The Palmers gave DJ another memory to share as time passed: they bought him one of the puppies auctioned that night. Wish Kid Fitz encouraged guests with his positive message and urged them to “stay activated” to help other local children. The first local “Monty Starblazer Award” went to Wish Alumnus Owen Gray, who embodied the dream of a Make-A-Wish child carried into adulthood. As a Cypress, Texas, high school student, Owen was diagnosed with a genetic disorder known as Marfan Syndrome. His illness prevented him from playing competitive college athletics. In 2018, the organization teamed with ESPN to send him to appear on College GameDay as the celebrity guest picker. This inside look at sports production changed the course of his life, and he went on to become a sports broadcaster. The standing ovation he received showed that he’d made a perfect career choice. These were just a few of the many lives enhanced by the efforts of Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana. Shelly Milwee, its President & CEO, stated, “The impact of the Wish Ball shows what’s possible when a community believes in the healing power of a wish. Through strong board leadership and the generosity of donors, partners, and volunteers, we are on track to grant a record 675 life-changing wishes this year across Texas and Louisiana.”

After the New Orleans-inspired dinner, city auction legend Johnny “Bravo” Holloway took the stage to “appeal” for the generosity of those in the audience. He invited Wish Kid Fitz to join him. The appeal raised more than $450,000 in under 10 minutes! The bidding for the live auction items was feverish and nonstop, with packages offered including: a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity from Kern Studios for 20 guests to ride with the legendary Krewe of Orpheus during Mardi Gras; a catered dinner prepared by acclaimed New Orleans Chef Eric Cook; and a luxury getaway to the Golden Nugget in Lake Charles featuring private helicopter transportation.

Event coordination by Francisco + Co. allowed the charity to once again “see wishes granted and miracles happen for those who could, at one time, only dream of it!”

In the Social Scene (not previously mentioned):  Board Chairman Ed Razim and wife Genevieve, Mary and Stephen Schneidau, Greg Miller, Kay and Tommy Austin, Beth and Dan Bellow, Claudia and Brad Freels, Naimeh Salem, Hallie Vanderhider and Bobby Dees, Michael Vanderhider and Ashley Gibson, Joanna Marks and Frank Edgerly, Alicia Smith, Brigitte Kalai, Farida Abjani, Jake Millwee, Kat and Ryan Pressly, Suzanne and Adam Stiles, Kim and Mike Weill, Mignon and Steve Gill, Chelsea Collmer, Vicki Luna-Lerma and Horacio Lerma, Hannah and Billy Helm, Bonnie and Jeff Houston, Julie Roberts, Heather and Don Hrap, Wendy and David Vitter, Charity and David Stone, Stephanie and Thomas Hatfield, Yulia and Dr. Daniel Penny, Victoria Way, Lisa Modica and Mark Reed