Make-A-Wish Arizona Raises $3 Million at Wish Ball
The 2018 Wish Ball raised approximately $3 million, including a combined $1.5 million donation from Bob and Renee Parsons and The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. The funds will help Make-A-Wish Arizona grant 300 future wishes to local children facing serious medical conditions.
Jill Krigsten Riley and Mari Lederman co-chaired the sold-out March 23 gala at the JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort and Spa. A thousand guests turned out for the black-tie affair, which was themed “A Wish Come True.”
Make-A-Wish Arizona honored Renee Parsons at the ball. Parsons has played a critical role in the growth of the chapter over the past six years as a member of the board of directors. During her speech, Parsons pledged $1 million from The Bob & Renee Parson Foundation toward future wishes. The Parsons donated an additional $300,000 from the foundation later in the event and $200,000 personally during the live auction. The Parsons have gifted more than $9 million to Make-A-Wish Arizona, including the donation of The Parsons Wish House, which more than tripled the organization’s physical space.
The evening included a wish kid moment, silent and live auctions, and musical entertainment. Several wish families were in attendance to speak with guests about the transformational power of a wish. Phusion Projects was the presenting sponsor.
PHOTOS BY LOREN ANDERSON PHOTOGRAPHY AND BLISSFUL BRUNETTE PHOTOGRAPHY, COURTESY MAKE-A-WISH-ARIZONA