Make-A-Wish Ball Raises Funds in Miami
The 31st annual InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball launched South Florida's charity season with a Gilded Age-inspired crystal castle theme.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Make-A-Wish Southern Florida held its 31st annual InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball on a Saturday night, opening the region's charity season. The gala featured a 'crystal castle' theme inspired by the Gilded Age and ended with an exclusive concert by Kelly Clarkson.
Why it matters
The ball is a major annual fundraiser for Make-A-Wish Southern Florida, which funds wishes for children in the region. Last year's event raised $3 million, funding 300 wishes.
Last year's ball raised $3 million to fund 300 wishes, and Make-A-Wish Southern Florida reports more than $50 million raised with InterContinental Miami's help over three decades. This year's fundraising total has not been reported in the source material.
The players
Make-A-Wish Southern Florida
The regional chapter of Make-A-Wish, a nonprofit that grants wishes to children with critical illnesses, serving South Florida.
Norman Wedderburn
President and CEO of Make-A-Wish Southern Florida, who leads the chapter's fundraising and wish-granting operations.
Kelly Clarkson
American singer and television personality who performed an exclusive concert at the gala.
The details
Celebrities and philanthropists attended the ball, which transported guests into a frozen fantasy built around the crystal castle theme. Shareef Malik and Gabrielle Anwar served as co-chairs, and the organization has more than 700 volunteers.
Timeline
Saturday night: 31st annual InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball held
Last year: ball raised $3 million to fund 300 wishes
Over the last three decades: more than 9,000 wishes granted in South Florida
Philanthropy Landscape
The ball sits within Make-A-Wish's regional wish-granting model, which has funded more than 9,000 wishes for South Florida children over three decades. Its annual fundraising cycle is the chapter's main engine for that work.
Donors and volunteers in South Florida can support Make-A-Wish Southern Florida's wish-granting work through its annual fundraising events. The chapter relies on more than 700 volunteers to carry out its programs.
The takeaway
Annual galas like this one are a key source of funding for children's wish programs in South Florida. Readers interested in supporting the work can look to local volunteer and donation opportunities.
Further reading
For more on local giving, explore Philanthropy coverage across the region.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports | Fort Lauderdale.
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