The 2013 Wish Ball, presented by Royal Caribbean, featured a dinner and live auction, as well as a gala ball and silent auction. Six local kids who had their wishes granted recently were also on-hand to share their inspirational stories. Eight-year-old Atticus wished to scrimmage against the Portland Timbers with his soccer team, 12-year-old Sam wished to go to Lake Shasta with his family and friends, 6-year-old Sierra wished to go to her favorite theme park, 14-year-old Elijah wished to go on a Caribbean cruise, 10-year-old Kaitlyn wished to sing on-stage with her favorite country music star, and 9-year-old Cason wished to meet a wolverine in Alaska.
Debora Knapp of KATU-TV returned for her tenth year as the emcee of the dinner. KATU also produced a touching video that captured the magic of Atticus’ wish, which was shown at the gala ball portion of the evening.
Among the highlights of the 2013 Wish Ball included a photobooth that featured Darth Vader and Stormtroopers from the 501st Legion of the Cloud City Garrison, a Star Wars Imperial Costuming club.
A special thanks to the following Wish Ball sponsors for helping to make so many dreams come true: Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys, Tube Specialties, Alaska Airlines, Pacific Seafood, SET, and Total Wine & More.
“We are able to make wishes come true because of the generosity of our volunteers, community and donors,” said Laila Cook, CEO of Make-A-Wish Oregon. “I believe the true power of a wish is like a stone thrown into a lake that continues to ripple out and impact a family, the child’s school and the entire community surrounding that sick child.”