The Stars Aligned For Make-A-Wish Nebraska’s Annual Kearney Evening Of Wishes Gala

The Make-A-Wish Nebraska Annual Kearney Evening of Wishes gala, presented by The Home Agency and the Jim and Sharri Baldonado Family, was held on Thursday, August 18th at 5:00 PM at the Younes Conference Center. The event was emceed by Lana Greene, nationally syndicated radio personality and producer (93.1 FM, 94.1 the Brand, KAMI Country, and “Shawn Parr’s Across the Country.”), and Doug Duda, Sports Director at KKPR and KXPN and host of the Doug & Daddy show on ESPN Tri-Cities. The theme this year was When Stars Align.

During the event, Make-A-Wish Nebraska shared some amazing wish stories, and attendees were able to help give local wish kids hope for a better tomorrow by donating and bidding on auction items throughout the evening. Event attendees heard wish mom Shelly share how her daughter, Hannah’s, wish impacted their family and gave them strength during a difficult time. Guests were also introduced to wish kid Emersyn and saw the excitement on her face when she learned her wish to go to Hawaii was granted!

Despite all the challenges COVID-19 has presented over the past few years, Make-A-Wish Nebraska has never stopped granting wishes. They continue to grant wishes like campers, play structures, hot tubs, room redos, shopping sprees, and playhouses.  Although the world has changed drastically over the past two years, one thing hasn’t changed – the hope and joy created by a wish come true. 

Thanks to all the generous sponsors and Evening of Wishes attendees, this event raised over $226,000, which will be used to grant the wishes of children battling critical illnesses right here in Nebraska!

“We are so grateful for everyone who attended and donated at this year’s Evening of Wishes gala,” said Courtney Hughbanks, Development Director – Greater Nebraska. “The community came together and the stars aligned to help ensure local wishes can continue to be granted. Because of our supporters, our wish kids and their families have renewed hope for a better tomorrow.”

For more information about Make-A-Wish Nebraska, please visit www.wish.org/nebraska.