The 31st annual InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball took place Saturday night at the hotel, kicking off what organizers call South Florida’s premier charity season. Celebrities and philanthropists attended the event, which used a “crystal castle” theme inspired by the Gilded Age.
Shareef Malik and Gabrielle Anwar served as ball co-chairs. Last year, the ball raised $3 million, funding 300 wishes for children in South Florida, according to the event.
Norman Wedderburn, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish Southern Florida, said the organization has more than 700 volunteers. Over the past three decades, the chapter has granted more than 9,000 wishes for children facing critical illnesses and has raised more than $50 million with help from the InterContinental Miami.
Ryan Docobo, whose two children had wishes granted, spoke at the gala. He said one of his sons, Ethan, was expected to die, and the family’s trip to North Carolina allowed them to say goodbye.
The night ended with a concert by pop singer Kelly Clarkson.
