Wish Night 2025: An Evening of Generosity Grants More Than 40 Wishes for Central Texas Kids

Nearly 400 guests gathered at the Austin Marriott Downtown on April 5 for the sixth annual Wish Night Gala, an evening that blended inspiration and generosity to benefit Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas. The signature event raised enough to grant more than 40 wishes for children facing critical illnesses across the region.

The gala offered an emotional and joyful celebration of hope, featuring firsthand stories from local wish recipients. Attendees heard from children and families who shared how their experiences transformed some of their most challenging moments into memories filled with joy and possibility.

Among the evening’s most moving moments were the stories of Karter, who fulfilled a wish to wrestle an alligator, and Maya, who realized her dream to visit Snake Discovery. Others included Jackson, who wished to attend the opera, and Brixton, whose love for football led him to meet the Cincinnati Bengals. Veronica and Lia’s families recalled magical trips to Walt Disney World Resort.

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Wish Dad Piero, Wish Mom Elizabeth, Wish Kid Maya, Mike Ishak (Representing Presenting Sponsor Covert Bee Cave), Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas President and CEO Andrea Taurins

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Teri and Zee Zepeda, David and Yolanda Garcia, Priscilla and Steve Ortega & Fatima Hinojosa and Patrick Zernell

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Petri Darby and Andrea Taurins

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Jason and Amanda Krau, David and Kristee Santucc, Chris and Kristal Harris & Petri and Shannon Darby (photo by )

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Christina & Paul Morgan and Tiel & Jeff McKee (photo by )

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Ryan and Haley Meyer

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The Ramseur Family – Wish Dad Mark, Wish Mom Lori & Wish Brother Tucker

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Wish Sister Mollee Freeman Shores and Wish Sister Shae Freeman Hicks

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Tom Lucas and Stuart Stahl

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The Cory Morrow Band

A celebration of 40 years of wish-granting in Central Texas

“Wish Night is more than a gala—it’s a celebration of the strength and resilience of the children we serve,” said Andrea Taurins, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas. “The overwhelming support from our community ensures that even more local kids will get to experience the joy of a wish, when they need it most.”

Following the program, guests were treated to a performance by the Cory Morrow Band, bringing the night to a close with classic Texas country and a shared sense of community.

This year’s gala was co-chaired by Susan and Tom Lucas, along with Ronda and Stuart Stahl, and presented by Covert Bee Cave. As Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas celebrates 40 years of wish-granting, this year’s event served as a powerful reminder of its mission: to bring hope, strength and joy to children when they need it most.

Wish Night will return to the Austin Marriott Downtown on April 11, 2026.

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