Make-A-Wish going virtual for June 4 Gala
ALBANY, N.Y. » Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Make-A-Wish Northeast New York has transitioned its When Stars Align Gala from an in-person event on June 4 to an online-only celebration, to be presented at 7 p.m. on its Facebook and YouTube pages.
The Gala, in its 22nd year, is the largest annual fundraiser for the local Make-A-Wish chapter. Originally slated for the Hall of Springs in Saratoga Springs, the black-tie event had previously been postponed from March 28 to June 4 due to the pandemic.
In light of the ongoing concerns of the medical community about how long the pandemic may last, the Board of Trustees and chapter staff determined it would not be prudent to hold a large in-person gathering in late spring, even if such an event was possible.
“The health and safety of our wish kids and families, the Make-A-Wish community and the general public continue to outweigh any other consideration,” said Make-A-Wish Northeast New York CEO William C. Trigg, III. “We would like nothing more than to be able to get together with our wish families and supporters. That said, the Make-A-Wish family will gather – just online.”
The event remains critical to the chapter, which like many individuals, nonprofits, and businesses, has sustained a loss of revenue since the coronavirus outbreak. Currently, wishes are on hold per the directive of Make-AWish® America. But once they resume, Make-A-Wish Northeast New York aims to be on sound financial footing to fulfill its vision of granting wishes to every eligible child in the 518 and 838 area codes.
“Our mission has never been clearer or more important: ‘Together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses’,” Trigg said. “Instead of a ballroom, we hope people join us in their living rooms to celebrate the power of a wish and help transform the lives of children.”
The chapter is joining the list of nonprofits compelled to pivot from a live event to an online gala. The When Stars Align Virtual Gala will feature co-hosts Benita Zahn of WNYT NewsChannel 13 and Chad O’Hara of B95.5 FM, and two wish kid alumni serving as wish hosts: Hannah Hughes and Dante Gallucci. Featured will be wish videos – including a high-quality feature made by a local wish kid – wish stories, interviews and maybe a surprise or two.
To register to donate, view auction items that will be open for bidding leading up to Gala night or enter a Disney Parks-themed raffle, go to WishGala20.givesmart.com. To view the Gala’s YouTube promo video, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emC0Z3TBJCw.