Wish Night Gala Raises $570,000 to Grant 50 Wishes for Children With Critical Illnesses

More than 350 donors, sponsors and community supporters gathered at Austin Marriott Downtown on April 11, for the 2026 Wish Night gala, presented by Covert Bee Cave.

Presented by Covert Bee Cave, the annual gala brought together supporters of Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas for an evening centered on hope, resilience and the lasting impact of a wish. The funds raised will help create life-changing experiences for children and families navigating some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

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Shannon, Anna and Ben De Leon. (Photo courtesy of Make-A-Wish)

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Suzanne Perez, Amanda Akin, Harris Gabriel Coker, Amy King, Erin Coker, Kelly Fischer and Shawna Kelso. (Photo courtesy of Make-A-Wish)

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Grace Daleki, Palu Malerba and Kenny Hanson. (Photo by Make-A-Wish)

Avery’s wish

Throughout the night, guests heard stories of local Wish kids whose lives have been touched by the organization, including Avery, a 13-year-old who loves singing, performing and animals.

Avery was diagnosed with a rare endocrine disorder that led to serious complications and a long road to recovery. After undergoing a life-changing transplant, she spent more than a year healing, rebuilding her strength and slowly returning to the activities that bring her joy.

In 2024, Avery’s wish to meet a koala was granted. The experience took her and her family to San Diego, where she came face to face with her favorite animal for the first time.

“Meeting a koala was everything I hoped for and more,” Avery said. “It made me so happy, and I’ll never forget it.”

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Wish Night Chair Amy King and CEO Andrea Taurins gave thoughtful speeches as the night commenced. (Photo courtesy of Make-A-Wish)

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Connie and Bill Nelson celebrate as funds climbed throughout the evening to help those in need. (Photo courtesy of Make-A-Wish)

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Raul Ortiz, Kimberly Romero and Kristin and Nicholas Norwood. (Photo courtesy of Make-A-Wish)

The lasting impact

For Avery and her family, the trip offered more than a special memory. It gave them a moment of joy after a difficult chapter, creating a sense of healing and hope that continued long after the wish itself. Today, Avery is thriving, preparing to enter high school and continuing to pursue her passion for performing.

Her story reflected the mission at the heart of Wish Night: granting wishes that bring strength, joy and renewed possibility to children and families when they need it most.

Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas continues to serve children throughout the region through community support, volunteer involvement and donations. Those interested in supporting future wishes can learn more about volunteer opportunities or becoming a WishMaker online.

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