Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic has an extraordinary capacity to transform the most challenging of times into sweet memories. The organization gifted our family yet again with their magic Friday evening by welcoming little d, as honored guest and family to the inaugural Charm City Celebration of Wishes Gala in Baltimore, MD. The Make-A-Wish staff, vendors and donors passion, commitment and heart filled the American Visionary Art Museum that evening. The dreamlike space was also adorned with a snow cone machine just for Daniel. He enjoyed a cakebatter snow cone as he perused the eclectic art exhibits before dinner. The Make-A-Wish staff welcomed Daniel with such warmth. Although they were incredibly busy ensuring the evening proceeded flawlessly, and it did, they each took time out to greet Daniel and at times even play! As the program began we made our way into a gorgeous room full of texture, flowers and a tremendous amount of love. We enjoyed a lovely dinner compliments of Rouge Fine Catering while the live auction excitement took place led by the kindhearted Jamie Costello of ABC2 News. The auctioneer, Jonathin Melnick, offered but his private home in SteamBoat Springs spontaneously to raise additional funds mid auction and a woman bought the Disney trip to then donate it back to Make-A-Wish. It was inspiring to be in a room full of such compassionate and dedicated individuals joyfully giving to make wishes come true. As the live auction came to a close Make-A-Wish shared Daniel’s story through a short film that expanded our understanding of the hearts ability to feel. I never knew it could sense extreme sorrow, joy, gratitude and a crazy amount of love all at once. I do hope we will have the opportunity to share this powerful segment with you. We are so grateful to the filmmakers and Make-A-Wish for capturing Daniel’s tenacious spirit and his parents unwavering strength. His parents Daniel and Susan gave a moving speech following the film to share their gratitude. My brother noted the English language does not have a word to describe their thanks. He said” I thank someone who opens the door for me, says they like my shirt or hair… thank you does not seem sufficient.” We were all so proud of their poise in representing MLD, the power of Make-A-Wish and the tremendous spirit of little d. Uncle Craig shared with Jim little d’s favorite song was “Happy Birthday” and so the entire room belted out his jam with a remarkable amount of love, as everyone rose to their feet to honor little d they began to sing round two. I thought my heart would surely explode. Just reflecting on that moment now still brings me to tears. Everyone’s spirit in ensuring little d evening was full of joy and that his face was painted with smiles continued as he made his way to the dance floor. Shades of Blue Orchestra did a big band rendition of Happy Birthday as well! It was truly an evening we will all hold near our hearts for a lifetime. Sweet moments of Daniel twirling on the dance floor, Rouge Fine Catering staff gathering $500 dollars to gift to Make-A Wish and so many other beautiful moments have helped to lift our spirits and comfort our hearts. Our hearts are still overflowing with gratitude for Make-A-Wish, vendors and donors for holding us up so gently that evening. We are forever grateful to your efforts that evening and always. I will forever dedicate my life to help others fulfill there goal, if not with money then I pledge to you my time. Above all everyone tireless efforts help to raise $200,000!! Make-A-Wish is indeed a powerhouse of good! Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic: midatlantic.wish.org Rouge Fine Catering: rougecatering Shades of Blue Orchestra: shades-of-blue
Posted on: Sun, 16 Nov 2014 20:13:08 +0000
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