“I think the most important thing that Make-a-Wish Middle Tennessee does is create a community around families when they're going through something scary,” says president and CEO Beth Torres. “Right now, we have about 230 kids waiting for wishes.”
One way people can help the organization grant wishes is by attending its 10th Stars for Wishes Gala, which will be held at the Four Seasons Hotel Nashville on April 28. “We're going to have great food and a silent auction, but the most exciting part is that it will be emceed by two Wish Kids,” she says. “They and others will share their stories, and then we'll make a wish together. Seeing how these kids have been impacted and knowing there will be more kids impacted is the most powerful thing about our gala.”
Whether people attend the gala, give money, time or talent, or get their company involved, they’re helping to create that community that makes wishes come true. A couple of years ago someone offered Beth a live “unicorn," which she thought was great, but she wasn’t sure what she was going to do with it. “Less than six months later, there was a little girl who wished to have a birthday party with a unicorn!” recalls Beth.
These special wishes give sick children hope and something to look forward to in the midst of hospitals, medical tests and treatments. “I have the best job ever, and it's not just the granting of wishes, which I think is powerful and magical, but it's that I also get to see the good in people every day,” she says. “I watch them give selflessly and step up to help.”