Make-A-Wish plans annual gala

The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northern West Virginia is planning its 11th annual "Wish Upon a Star" Gala for Nov. 22 in the Grande Ballroom at Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack and Resort.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northern West Virginia grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions. Making wishes come true for children 2 1/2 to 18 years of age, provides them with a moment of happiness and a lifetime of memories. Whether their wish is meeting "Winnie the Pooh," a new state-of-the-art entertainment system or a trip to Walt Disney World, community support helps bring smiles to the faces of children who are faced with endless medical procedures and lengthy hospital stays, according to organizers of the event.

"This festive, holiday-themed event is the perfect way to celebrate the season and at the same time help provide wishes for children with life-threatening medical conditions in Hancock and Brooke counties," said Event Chair Jana Tetrault. "We're having an exciting time planning for this year's gala. We have a wonderful committee, very representative of our community-minded area. It consists of 'Wish Moms,' 'Wish Kids,' and family and friends that have been involved with 'Wish Families.' We're all working hard to make this a successful event."

Tickets to this holiday-themed event are $50 per person and include a wine tasting, dinner, and live and silent auctions. Only 400 advance tickets will be sold for this event and tickets are selling quickly. No tickets will be sold at the door. Corporate and individual sponsorships are also available in amounts from as little as $600 to as much as $3,500. Donations of items for the gala's silent auction are also being collected. Suggested auction items include gift certificates, gift cards, gift baskets, sports memorabilia, crafts, jewelry, and sport or event tickets.

Tickets can by purchased by calling Tetrault at (304) 387-5124 or Kendel Rutherford at (304) 723-2708.

Tetrault, a 'Wish Mom' herself, said in closing, "One of our 'Wish Moms' was sharing photographs of her daughter's trip with the other committee members. Her daughter, Anna, was one of last year's 'Wish Ambassadors.' This is a great committee."

(Winkler can be contacted at lwinkler@weirtondailytimes.com)