RENO, Nev. (Sept. 1, 2022) – On Thursday, Sept. 25, community sponsors, volunteers and families rallied together at Grand Sierra Resort for the return of Waffles & Wishes – the annual fundraising event celebrating the life-changing efforts of Make-A-Wish® Northeastern & Central California and Northern Nevada Chapter. After a two-year pause for the event due to the pandemic, the Northern Nevada community delivered in a big way, raising more than $150,000 with additional online donations still rolling in.
“It was wonderful to gather as a community and celebrate the inspiring stories of our wish kids and volunteers,” said Seema Donahoe, Make-A-Wish Regional Director for Northern Nevada. “Wishes come true because of local support and the impact of Waffles and Wishes will be felt by wish families throughout Northern Nevada.”
Emcee Kristen Remington of Channel 2 News guided attendees through a heart-warming program that included a delicious waffle breakfast, a Golden Ticket raffle, live bidding for the inaugural Fund-A-Wish, and inspiring wish stories featuring local wish alumni Matt and Katie. The joyful energy emanating from auctioneer Freddie Silveria had the entire Grand Ballroom smiling as he leapt from table to table collecting bids from generous donors.
One of the highlights of the morning included local wish kid Dean – a seven-year-old who wished for a dinosaur-themed bedroom. After receiving red-carpet treatment at Grand Sierra Resort the night before, Dean attended Waffles & Wishes expecting to discuss the anticipation of waiting for a wish, but instead discovered that his wish had already been granted. He was joined by special guest “Blue,” a mischievous velociraptor, and a crowd full of attendees donning dino masks to celebrate his Wish Day.
The local Make-A-Wish® community remains committed to creating hope and empowering kids to dream big. Currently, there are more than 50 children in the region still waiting for their wish to be granted – events like Waffles & Wishes showcase the dedicated individuals and community sponsors who make these dreams possible.
Those interested in supporting the Make-A-Wish mission and changing the lives of children and families battling critical illnesses can make a donation or learn about volunteer opportunities at wish.org/canv.
