Make-A-Wish Oregon Gala Celebrates Joy Experienced by Local Wish Kids

Portland, OR. More than 540 supporters helped Make-A-Wish Oregon raise over $526,000 to bring joy to local children with critical illnesses. Make-A-Wish Oregon board member Jill Dulcich and her husband Frank Dulcich, president and CEO of Pacific Seafood, were the winning bidders of wish kid Violet’s special artwork titled “Love and Hope.” Presenting sponsors of the Wish Ball on October 13th were Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys and U.S. Bank. (Photo credit, Jeff Hinds, Toto Vo, Eugene Wong)

Wish Ball guest Sara Monterossi and Make-A-Wish Oregon board member Marilyn Brett chat with wish kid Saul before his opening speech at the VIP dinner at the Portland Art Museum.

Make-A-Wish Oregon board member J.P. Perfili, senior vice president and regional manager at U.S. Bank, takes time to have a little fun with wish kids Camden and Rachel.

Wish kid Nathan, who performed a moving rendition of the song “See You Again” on the cajon drum earlier in the evening, got a chance to dance with Wish Ball guests.

For the last 14 years, KATU anchor Debora Knapp has emceed Make-A-Wish Oregon’s gala. This year, wish kid Ella joined her on stage to pick the winner of the Golden Ticket raffle.

From Make-A-Wish Oregon:

Money raised will help the organization reach its goal of granting 258 wishes this coming year. Wish experiences have proven mental and emotional health benefits to children and their families, and is considered an integral part of the treatment plan by doctors. For more information on how you can be part of a wish-come-true, visit oregon.wish.org.

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.