Inside The Make-A-Wish Foundation's 4th Annual "A Toast To Wishes" Event

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At the fourth annual WishNYC: A Toast to Wishes party last night, the under-40 New Leadership Council of Make-A-Wish Metro New York raised over $550,000 to help grant wishes of children diagnosed with life-threatening medical conditions. Over 750 guests attended the sold-out event at Marquee NYC, with another 300 attending the after-party at the newly opened The Raven.

“Having a great time, while raising significant funds and awareness in support of a mission that’s so close to all of our hearts – that’s what this event is all about,”

said Zach Coopersmith, New Leadership Council and event co-chair.

“We are thrilled with the generosity and enthusiasm of young New Yorkers and we are proud of how much this event has grown since we started it four years ago.”

Since its inception, A Toast to Wishes has generated over $1 million in net proceeds and attracted over 2,000 youthful philanthropists to attend and support Make-A-Wish. This year’s host committee of nearly 50 young philanthropists is chaired by New Leadership Council members Zach Coopersmith, Alli Holzberg and Lauren Goodrich. Guests were treated to an open bar sponsored by The Patron Spirits Company and Perrier Jouët, Music by DJ Cameron Smalls, Chachi, and MICK, passed food from Artichoke, and a premium silent auction with 75+ high-end items.

The money raised will benefit Make-A-Wish Metro New York and Western New York and help grant wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. In fiscal year 2013, the chapter touched the lives of 829 wish children and their families by granting 576 wishes of local children, and by facilitating 253 wish assists for children who reside in other areas, but whose wishes took place in New York.