Make-A-Wish Arizona hosts Wish Ball in Town of Paradise Valley
Staff Reports | Free Press Philanthropy
The 2025 Make-A-Wish Arizona Wish Ball — presented by Phusion Projects and Valley Toyota Dealers — raised over $3.3 million in a single night.
At the event, Bob and Renee Parsons announced they would match the 2025 Fund-A-Wish total, dollar-for-dollar, matching over $1 million, Make-A-Wish Arizona officials tell the Digital Free Press.
In honor of Make-A-Wish Arizona’s 45th anniversary, this year’s Wish Ball featured the theme “Art of Wishes,” celebrating the artistry behind granting wishes and recognizing the remarkable achievements of the organization over the past four decades. The evening began with a special anniversary toast led by Make-A-Wish co-founders, Linda Pauling and Allan Schmidt, setting the stage for a night of inspiration and celebration.
The gala was co-chaired by Chrissy Butz, Keli Nichols, Teri Pierce and returning chair and Make-A-Wish Arizona board member, Dena Zell.
This event, dedicated to supporting Make-A-Wish Arizona’s mission of granting wishes for children with critical illnesses, offered 900 guests, including, Town of Paradise Valley Mayor Mark Stanton and Consul General of Mexico Jorge Mendoza Yescas.
“The generosity and passion of our Wish Ball supporters continue to inspire us year after year,” said Fran Mallace, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish Arizona. “As we celebrate 45 years of wish granting, this evening reinforces the power of our community to transform lives. Every dollar raised brings us closer to making more wishes come true for Arizona children facing critical illnesses, proving that hope is truly an art we create together.”
The Wish Ball honored long-time supporters Bob and Renee Parsons with the Lifetime Impact Award which recognizes the indelible mark they have made on the lives of thousands of critically ill children. Their unwavering support, through both personal contributions and the philanthropic efforts of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation, has been the cornerstone of Make-A-Wish Arizona’s success.
“Renee and I are honored to support Make-A-Wish Arizona and the extraordinary impact they create for these brave kids” said Bob Parsons, co-founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation and a U.S. Marine Corps Vietnam War Veteran. “The Marine Corps could learn many lessons from these wish kids. They are the epitome of courage.”
Renee Parsons echoed a similar sentiment of support.
“Every wish granted is a reminder that hope has the power to heal,” she said in a prepared statement. “Make-A-Wish Arizona and the courageous children and families they serve have been dear to our hearts for over a decade. We are incredibly proud to continue supporting their life-changing mission.”
In the past fiscal year, Make-A-Wish Arizona granted a record-breaking 462 wishes, the highest in the founding chapter’s history. This year, the goal is to grant 475 wishes, and thanks to the support of the community, sponsors, and attendees of Wish Ball, we are confident in our ability to surpass this goal and bring joy to even more deserving wish kids.
