2024 Make-a-Wish Gala - A Night Of Joy and Hope
The Make-a-Wish Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky chapter of Make-A-Wish held their Southern Ohio 2024 Wish Gala at Cincinnati Music Hall. Benchmark was proud to support the event as a "Joy Sponsor" with several team members in attendance.
The 2024 Gala was a tremendous success, bringing together generous donors, supporters, volunteers as well as wish families and kids who have experienced the power a wish can have. Held at Cincinnati Music Hall, the evening was filled with inspiring stories of hope and joy as well as a shared commitment to making a difference.
Over $547,000 of funds were raised, which will go directly to fulfilling the wishes of children in the local community, providing them with unforgettable experiences and the strength to continue fighting.
Soraya Faruqui, who was granted a wish by Make-A-Wish, attended the Gala with her family. She and her family members shared powerful stories highlighting joy in the midst of a terminal medical diagnosis.
The Faruqui Family and Soraya’s Story
Soraya, who recently turned 12 years old, chose to visit Hawaii and learn to surf for her wish. Her medical condition presents similar to childhood ALS without having the official diagnosis.
The Faruquis’ went on to say that the Make-A-Wish trip changed how the family approaches life. Following the trip, they adopted a new slogan:
“Suck The Joy Out Of Life”.
Soraya said to the room, “I am dying sooner, but I am making memories today, so look out.”
WCPO 9 Cincinnati recently shared Soraya’s story on air. Check it out here.
We would like to extend a huge thank you to Make-a-Wish for organizing an event that truly changes lives. Check out their website here.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in the United States that helps fulfill the wishes of children with a critical illness between the ages of 21⁄2 and 18 years old. Make-A-Wish was founded in 1980 and is headquartered in Phoenix.
Benchmark looks forward to continuing to support the life-changing impact Make-a-Wish has on children and families.
