NONPROFIT
Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire is proud to present its annual Wish Gala on Saturday, October 17, at the stunning Pendry Newport Beach. This year’s black-tie celebration, Art of Wishes, honoring Carie and Anthony Ferry, highlights the creativity and imagination that inspires many of the wishes granted to children facing critical illnesses.
Helping to bring this extraordinary evening to life are four dedicated chairs whose professional expertise, community connections, and commitment to the Make-A-Wish mission help make the gala possible. Together, Sponsorship Chair Dolores Salman, Audience Development Chair Michael Krouse, Event Experience Chair Lindsey Kath, and Auction Chair Deb Foster are creating an unforgettable gala that will support local children waiting for their wish.
Leading sponsorship efforts is Dolores Salman, a Make-A-Wish OCIE Board member and Environmental, Health, and Safety Director at Netflix. After successfully co-chairing last year’s gala alongside her husband, Salman returns this year as Sponsorship Chair, leveraging her experience and relationships to secure support from businesses and community leaders across Orange County and the Inland Empire.
Serving as the Audience Development Chair is Make-A-Wish OCIE Board member, Michael Krouse. A respected leader in hospitality and tourism, Krouse serves as President and CEO of Greater Ontario California (GOCAL), overseeing some of the Inland Empire’s most prominent venues. Through his role with the gala, Krouse is helping introduce Inland Empire businesses and corporations to the life-changing power of a wish, expanding the event’s reach and impact throughout the communities Make-A-Wish serves.
Bringing the evening’s vision to life is Event Experience Chair Lindsey Kath, a dedicated Make-A-Wish volunteer and member of Women’s Circle of Wishes. As Director of Partner Relations at Exectras, Kath combines her expertise in relationship management, operations, and design to help shape the event’s overall guest experience, ensuring every detail reflects the creativity, inspiration, and hope that define the Make-A-Wish mission.
Rounding out the gala’s leadership team is Auction Chair Deb Foster, a dedicated Make-A-Wish supporter and volunteer. Foster is deeply engaged in the community through her involvement with the USO, Wounded Warrior Project, and Valiant Women of Mission Hospital, where she previously served as Membership Chair. In her role as Auction Chair, Foster is leading efforts to develop an exciting auction that will feature unique experiences and sought-after items to maximize financial support for local children waiting for their wishes.
Proceeds from The Wish Gala – Art of Wishes will help Make-A-Wish OCIE continue granting wishes for critically-ill children in Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside counties who are waiting to experience the power of a wish.
Visit www.wishgala.org to secure your tickets or purchase a sponsorship opportunity.