Make-A-Wish Guam and NMI celebrate 30 years

Make-A-Wish Guam and CNMI enjoyed a formal “Black Ties & Zories” benefit dinner at the Hyatt Regency Saipan ballroom last Friday, March 1, 2019.

Generous patrons and businesses gathered for an evening of fine food, drinks, dancing, silent auction, raffles, “Best Zories” contest and live entertainment by popular vocalist J.J. Concepcion and guest singer Louise Muña.

In total, the event raised over $37,000 in cash and in-kind donations toward granting wishes to CNMI’s Wish Kids.

Board members Wendi Herring, Kanae Quinn, Jay Santos, Jay Jones, Jennifer Camacho, Louise Muña, Nate Taimanglo plus president/CEO Eric Tydingco and programs manager Kaleena Camacho were all present to join in the 30th anniversary celebration.

Some of the highlights of the evening included:

1) the recognition of outgoing board member Eleanor T. Cabrera, for her outstanding dedication and service to the organization.

2) the “Best Zories” contest won by Bob Jones with his checkered zories and Wish Kid Chloe Bernal with her Hello Kitty foam zories.

3) the celebration of former Wish Kids Juan Blanco, whose wish was to meet President Obama in 2010, and Chloe Bernal, whose wish was to go on a big shopping spree in 2016.

Make-A-Wish sincerely appreciates the tremendous support of the following companies and individuals who charitably contributed to the 30th anniversary Wish Night:

-Top Donors: BFJ Corp., Bridge Capital, DFS Saipan, Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan, Flametree TV/KSPN2 News, Gemkell Saipan, Gold’s Gym, IT&E, Marianas Eye Institute, MarPac, Marianas Variety, McDonald’s, Naked Fish Bar & Grill, Triple J Enterprises, and TSL Foundation.

-Fantastic Donors: Bank of Guam, Bank of Saipan, D&Q International Distributors, Disneyland, Docomo Pacific, Island Touch by Philip, Joeten Enterprises, Joint Marketing, Kanoa Resort, Lollipops, Pacific Rim International, Pacific Trading Co., Skydive Saipan, and TakeCare.

-Valued Donors: Chong’s Corp., E-Land Corp., Godfather’s Bar, Hasselback Law Office, Herman’s Modern Bakery, Hyatt Regency Saipan, Island Greens, Island Training Solutions, KZMI, Let’s Go Saipan, Matsumoto Farms, Natural Nail Spa, Pacific Wine & Spirits, Quinn Consulting, Revolving Restaurant 360, Saipan Brewing Co., SeaTouch, and Star Sands Plaza.

Make-A-Wish is also grateful to Concepcion and Muña, who donated their musical talent, while Reyna Saures and Romolo Orsini gave their time to emcee the event and keep the evening’s festivities going.

There were seven student volunteers from Marianas High School’s National Honor Society who assisted with registration and raffle sales: Mica Camacho Daphne Cruzat, Denzel Gatbonton, Shea Hartig, Alan Hinson, Andy Kim, and Tioni Reyes.

Make-A-Wish continues its work to transform dreams into reality. In addition, Make- A-Wish requests the community’s support in helping with referrals for potential CNMI Wish Kids who face critical illnesses. Anyone in our community can make a referral so let us know of any family whose child (ages 2.5 to 17 years old) may be eligible. You may contact us through our local number (670) 483-9474 (WISH).

About

The foundation grants the wishes of children with critical illnesses. Founded in 1980 when a group of caring volunteers helped a young boy fulfill his dream of becoming a police officer, the Foundation is one of the world’s leading children’s charities, with 64 chapters in the United States and its territories. With the help of generous donors and nearly 25,000 volunteers, the Make-A-Wish Foundation grants a wish every 34 minutes and has granted more than 300,000 wishes in the United States since its inception.

For more information about the Make-A-Wish Foundation, visit guam.wish.org. (PR)