Organizer Natosha Wareham-Bakker of enLeigh Designs is extremely pleased with the support Moose Jaw has shown for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, following her inaugural Sparkling Sunset fundraising gala on Sept. 21.
The event is the first iteration of what Wareham-Bakker is hoping to make an annual occasion. Her hopes don’t seem too far off the mark, as the gala raised $3,500 to go directly towards a local Make-A-Wish child’s dream.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation makes sure that all funds raised in a community are used for a child in that community, meaning every dollar donated will stay in Moose Jaw.
One wish costs about $10,000 to implement for each child on the waiting list. With the funds raised at the gala, the Make-A-Wish hopefuls in Moose Jaw are much closer to seeing their wishes come true.
Wareham-Bakker feels that Moose Jaw really stepped out as a community and flexed their charitable muscles. From the attendees who purchased tickets and took part in the auction, to the local businesses who donated raffle prizes and other help, Wareham-Bakker is grateful to see the support.
“I think that Moose Jaw is a community that cares about those around us,” said Wareham-Bakker. “It's heartwarming to me to see people just care for other people, for kids.”
The event invited four Make-A-Wish children and families to share their stories, which Wareham-Bakker felt was an important touch.
“We got a little insight and got to know the kids, and the impact this has had on their lives and their families,” said Wareham-Bakker. “Now, when we can announce the Moose Jaw wishes, people can hear that and say, 'I did something to help that kid!'”
While Wareham-Bakker was looking to raise monetary funds for the charity, she was also hoping to generate some interest in getting involved as a volunteer.
Each table had someone involved in Make-A-Wish — volunteers, organizers, and even Make-A-Wish parents — seated amongst the guests to give people a chance to ask questions about the organization.
“I think that made a real impact. I had one of our guests come up to me and say, 'I want to volunteer, what do I do?' And that's so great, because it's not just the money that we need,” said Wareham-Bakker. “We need people to step up and give some time as well, and be that little ray of sunshine in a family's life.”
The successful event has Wareham-Bakker already thinking ahead to next year, and she said it is very likely that Temple Gardens Hotel & Spa will partner with her once again for another year of the fundraiser.
