At Brogan & Partners, giving back isn’t just something we do. It’s part of who we are.
Each year, we commit 5% of our profits to causes that strengthen the communities we serve, and one of the ways we bring that commitment to life is through Wine & Wishes, our annual fundraiser benefiting Make-A-Wish Michigan.
Raising a glass
This year, clients, partners, friends, family and supporters gathered for an evening of great wine, delicious hors d’oeuvres from Marci Shienbaum, a silent auction and a shared purpose: helping grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.
Through that collective generosity, we raised $20,000 for Make-A-Wish Michigan. But believe it or not… the evening’s most memorable moment couldn’t be measured in dollars.
Making a dream come true
While Wine & Wishes helps make future wishes possible, this year’s event also gave guests the opportunity to witness a wish being granted in real time.
The wish belonged to 8-year-old Sereniti.
Diagnosed with a rare blood disorder before birth, 8-year-old Sereniti has faced challenges most children could never imagine. Yet through it all, she has remained resilient, joyful and full of dreams.
Her biggest dream? To stand before the iconic Disney castle and meet Princess Tiana in person.
With that, members of our team dressed as beloved Disney characters and welcomed Sereniti and her family as honored guests. Sereniti and her sister explored our princess costume closet, enjoyed mini makeovers and received special backpacks filled with surprises, including princess mouse ears and personalized autograph books for their upcoming adventure.
Then, as a live trumpet sounded, a royal decree was read aloud, announcing Sereniti’s wish was officially being granted.
The power of a wish
Every day, more than 70 children receive a diagnosis that changes everything. A wish can be the spark of joy that gets them through that journey.
Through our partnership with Make-A-Wish Michigan, we’ve seen firsthand how meaningful the wish experience can be, and the impact is remarkable.
- 99% of wish kids say their wish made them feel more joyful
- 95% say it helped them overcome feelings of sadness
- 95% felt more hopeful about the future
- 91% of wish parents say a wish is a necessary part of the treatment journey
- 95% of parents say a wish improved their child’s emotional well-being
- 98% of medical providers say the wish experience helps relieve stress for families facing a child’s critical illness
As Make-A-Wish Michigan President and CEO Michael Hull shared during the event, “A child needs hope if they’re going through a critical illness. And we get to help a child get that.”
A community that cares
Guests also heard from Hull about the impact Brogan and its supporters have had on Make-A-Wish Michigan over the years.
“What I love about this team is they are community first,” he said. “They truly care so much about making a difference.”
He recognized the leadership of Brogan CEO Ellyn Davidson, who serves on the Make-A-Wish Michigan Board of Directors, while also acknowledging everyone who helps make events like Wine & Wishes possible.
“These are the events that help fund our mission,” Hull said. “We can only operate because of people like you.”
As a medical charity, Make-A-Wish Michigan relies on community support to make wishes happen.
Today, more than 800 children across Michigan are living with a critical illness and may be eligible for a wish. But granting those wishes requires approximately $13 million each year.
That’s what makes Wine & Wishes so meaningful. It’s a reminder of what’s possible when a community comes together.
Thank you
To everyone who attended, donated, contributed an auction item or participated in our online silent auction, thank you.
Because of you, Wine & Wishes raised $20,000.
Because of you, Sereniti is heading to Disney World.
And because of you, more Michigan children and families will experience the power of a wish.
Cheers!
To learn more about Wine & Wishes, watch WXYZ-TV Channel 7’s coverage of Sereniti’s Royal Evening.
To see how you can help grant more life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses, please visit wish.org/Michigan.