Staff Reports | Free Press Philanthropy
Make-A-Wish Arizona raised $2.4 million at Wish Ball 2026: Passport to Wishes, held March 28 at the JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa.
More than 800 guests attended the annual gala, which focused on the organization’s “I wish to go” program, the most common wish type granted by Make-A-Wish Arizona. Nearly 75% of wishes involve travel experiences, highlighting the role travel plays in wish fulfillment for critically ill children, according to a press release.
The event was co-chaired by Lee Courtney and Make-A-Wish Arizona board member Audrey Alfano and brought together community leaders and supporters to highlight the organization’s mission and impact.
Attendees included Paradise Valley Mayor Mark Stanton, Monica Villalobos of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Frankie Jo Rios of the East Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Seventeen wish alumni and their families attended the event, including Wish Kid Miles, who served as co-emcee alongside ABC15 Arizona journalist Nick Ciletti. The program featured four wish stories, including Christopher’s wish to go on a Disney Cruise Line trip to the Bahamas, Mateo’s wish to travel to England to see Manchester United play at Old Trafford, and Andrea’s wish to visit South Korea to experience K-pop culture.
The program also included remarks from wish dad Tony Sharpe, who spoke about the lasting impact of his daughter Lainy’s wish to go to Walt Disney World Resort.
The evening included recognition of the organization’s Starblazer Awards, which honor wish alumni whose experiences have influenced their lives and community involvement. The recognition program was supported by leadership gifts from longtime Make-A-Wish Arizona donors Jeff and Anna Saplis, Michael Halle, and the Jeff and Jenny Wright Family.
“Because of this community and evenings like this, wishes do more than create joyful moments; they build strength, restore hope, and help children face their medical journeys with renewed resilience,” said Fran Mallace, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish Arizona. “Every dollar raised brings us closer to our vision of granting the wish of every eligible child. These wishes are a vital part of a child’s healing journ
The event featured a live auction, silent auction and Fund-A-Wish segment, with proceeds supporting wish grants for critically ill children across Arizona. The evening concluded with an after-party, with wish kids helping invite guests to continue the celebration.
In the past fiscal year, Make-A-Wish Arizona granted 476 wishes, the highest number in the chapter’s history.
The organization said it plans to expand outreach efforts statewide as it works toward granting a wish to every eligible child in Arizona.
