Make-A-Wish Creates Magical Evening

For its inaugural One Wish fund-raiser, Make-A-Wish Foundation called upon the magical powers of Mickey Mouse and a bevy of fairies. These imaginary characters have the ability to make children believe dreams can come true, and that's similar to what Make-A-Wish Foundation is about. For more than 20 years, the not-for-profit organization has been fulfilling the wishes of young people with life-threatening diseases. Mickey, who appeared courtesy of presenting sponsor Disney, mingled with guests and posed for pictures in front of a starry backdrop. Champagne Show Girls supplied the fairies, who relaxed on elaborately decorated swings suspended from the ceiling above The Carlu's main entrance.Solutions with Impact managed the event, working with Signature Rentals to create a fun and entertaining atmosphere that also reminded guests of the serious purpose of the evening. Decor elements ranged from feathered arrangements in ornate urns and shimmering metal-mesh overhead lighting fixtures to large black-and-white images of children and items for sale in the silent auction. Large acrylic centrepieces dripping with crystals and cream-coloured blooms anchored the tabletop decor in the dining area. Clear glass charger plates rimmed with gold-coloured beads adorned each place setting. A clear plastic wand that lit up was atop a card of children's wishes adorned at each place setting. "I wish to go to a tunnel aquarium to see sharks and snorkel in the ocean," read one of the wishes. Eatertainment's dinner menu included rocket and pear salad, beef tenderloin filet, and chicken breast stuffed with a country apple and wild mushroom mixture. Dessert was comprised of chocolate truffle cake and warm caramelized banana tarts.

The lineup of musical entertainers included Juno award winner Jann Arden, the Starz Band with Liberty Silver, rhythm and blues vocalists In Essence, and Michael Burgess.

—Robyn Small

Posted 12.14.06