Each year, the Wishmaker’s Ball brings hundreds of supporters together to celebrate and promote the mission of Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida®. This year marks 30 years as a chapter and we have some exciting things planned to honor this incredible milestone!
The Wishmaker’s Ball isn’t just our signature black-tie gala. It’s the culmination of a year of hard work as well as a chance to celebrate our amazing wish kids.
If you have never attended the Wishmaker’s Ball in Jacksonville, you’ve been missing out! Let’s take a look at what you can expect from this one-of-a-kind event.
What Is the Wishmaker’s Ball?
Of all the events hosted by Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida, the Wishmaker’s Ball is the largest and one of the most memorable!
From start to finish, the evening is packed full of joy, inspiration, community, and fun. Yet the mission that drives this event is rooted in our mission to grant life changing wishes to children with critical illnesses.
This fundraiser gala helps us raise the money we need to support local families and their children who have had their lives turned upside down.
Each year, thousands of children receive a devastating diagnosis, but Make-A-Wish is able to shine a light of hope. Granted wishes are far more than a fun vacation or a new toy—they have a real and lasting effect on a child’s mental health.
Last year, the event raised $800,000 (that’s enough to grant 100 wishes)!
What To Expect
The Jacksonville Wishmaker’s Ball is held every year at the Marriott Sawgrass. Attendees often use the gala as an opportunity for a weekend getaway, taking advantage of the world-class golf course, spa, and sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean.
You’ll begin the evening at our VIP reception, where you can enjoy an open bar and a mouthwatering selection of butler-passed hors d’oeuvres. Guests will also be able to peruse the items in our silent auction. This eclectic selection of items has something for everyone, from trips and unique experiences to gift cards and toys.
The program begins with VIP table drawing, one of the most exciting moments of the evening! Win the drawing and you (with your entire table) will get to spend the evening at an upgraded table with several additional perks.
Then, you’ll enjoy a delicious three-course dinner as you hear from local wish kids on how Make-A-Wish has changed their lives and given them hope. It’s inspirational stories like these that help us remember the real purpose of this event!
What follows is often considered the most exciting part of the evening. During our live auction, you’ll have the opportunity to bid on exclusive getaways and experiences donated by our partners and supporters.
After the auction, the program might be over, but the fun is just getting started! All guests are invited to our after party where they can dance the night away.
Take a look at the full Schedule of Events.
We’ll See You There!
The Jacksonville Wishmaker’s Ball will be held on August 24, 2024. Purchase your tickets today to take part in this unforgettable event and support the goals of Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida.
Sponsorship packages are available for corporate attendees (or private organizations) who want to attend the event as a group.
As we look back on the last 30 years of granting wishes, we are even more inspired to keep serving the community for another 30 years and beyond! Thank you for supporting Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida.
