(EXPERIENCE MAGAZINE) — Beverly Hills, CA — Make-A-Wish Greater Los Angeles celebrated its annual Wish Gala on Saturday, October 10th, at the Fairmont Century Plaza Los Angeles at Beverly Hills. The Experience Magazine attended the evening where a night of performances, personal stories and fundraising supported wishes for children facing critical illnesses.
Guests entered a magical, enchanted forest created for the Make-A-Wish Greater Los Angeles gala, hosted by Gala Chair Jedd Gold. The evening opened with freestyle rapper Harry Mack, who moved through the audience before taking the stage and inviting five wish children to offer words for a new freestyle.
Gold welcomed guests, followed by remarks from Sana Moezzi, the organization’s director of advancement and a former wish child. Auctioneer Billy Harris led a live auction featuring, among other items, a dinner at home prepared by three Michelin-starred chefs for 12 guests, a Four Seasons Bora Bora stay with private LAX transfers, a Mr. Brainwash artwork and Los Angeles sports packages.
Photo Claudia LaRoche
After a family-style dinner, President and CEO Aparna Pande spoke about the impact of a wish. “A wish grants hope, strength, and joy to children facing critical illnesses and the families that walk beside them,” she said.
Actor Evan Jachelski – HBO Rooster
Photo Eugene Powers
Eleven-year-old singer Isabella Viking performed “A Million Dreams” as a montage shared the names, ages, illnesses and wishes of children waiting for theirs to be granted. A feature video introduced Kira, 17, who has a malignant brain tumor. Her wish—to reunite with her grandparents in Russian-occupied Ukraine—was granted this past summer. Kira and her mother, Iryna, spoke about the experience before guests took part in a Fund-A-Wish paddle raise.
The gala also honored philanthropists Dana Guerin and Bill Fishel. Guerin’s mother, Vera Guerin, introduced her daughter; a feature video and remarks from Dana followed. Bill Fishel’s wife, Kate, shared remarks before a video and speech from Fishel, a former Make-A-Wish Greater Los Angeles board chair. The honorees were recognized for their philanthropy and service.
Gold said the enchanted-forest setting reflected the team’s vision for the evening. “Seeing the look on people’s faces as they walked into the room, and knowing that we were able to raise the money needed to grant wishes for so many kids, was worth the countless hours spent making this happen,” he said.
Guests arrived for a cocktail reception before enjoying dinner, a live auction, inspiring stories and special surprises. With an “Enchanted Forest” theme, the gala transformed the venue into a magical setting reflecting the organization’s mission to bring hope, joy and healing to wish kids and their families.
The evening honored Dana Guerin, producer and philanthropist, and Bill Fishel, former board chair and real estate executive, for their leadership and commitment to the Make-A-Wish mission.
As Make-A-Wish Greater Los Angeles’ largest fundraiser of the year, the gala supports the chapter’s efforts to grant life-changing wishes to eligible children throughout the region. Organizers emphasized the continued need for support, noting that for every wish granted, four more children are waiting.
Rachel Platten closed the gala with performances of “Stand by You” and “Fight Song.” The October 10th celebration was a memorable night of generosity, inspiration and community — helping bring more wishes to life for children and families across Los Angeles.
