Syracuse Fans Raised Money for Make-A-Wish
The 35th annual Ms. Orange Fan Luncheon gathered over 600 attendees at the JMA Wireless Dome.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Philanthropy
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More than 600 supporters gathered at the JMA Wireless Dome to support Make-A-Wish Central New York during the 35th annual Ms. Orange Fan Luncheon. The event featured appearances by Syracuse University athletes and staff to help fund wishes for children with critical illnesses.
Why it matters
The annual luncheon serves as a vital fundraising pillar for the local chapter of Make-A-Wish, which aims to provide support for 100 children facing serious health diagnoses this year.
Since its inception in 1992, the Ms. Orange Fan Luncheon has successfully raised more than $1.6 million for local charity efforts. Organizers now project that the organization will grant wishes for 100 children throughout the remainder of this year.
The players
Gerry McNamara
He is the head coach of the Syracuse University men's basketball team.
Make-A-Wish Central New York
This local chapter of the non-profit organization works to grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.
Syracuse University
This private research university in Syracuse, New York, serves as the host institution for the annual fan luncheon.
The details
Fans at the JMA Wireless Dome participated in silent auctions and raffles, while also engaging with Syracuse University men's basketball players and head coach Gerry McNamara. The gathering maintains a long-standing tradition of community support for the Make-A-Wish foundation.
Timeline
The Ms. Orange Fan Luncheon series began in 1992.
The 35th annual Ms. Orange Fan Luncheon occurred on October 4, 2026.
Market Landscape
This event fits into the broader industry trajectory of university athletic departments leveraging high-profile team visibility for localized charitable impact. It follows the pattern established by the 35th annual Ms. Orange Fan Luncheon in formalizing sustained community partnership and donor engagement.
The event directly impacts local families by providing the funding necessary for Make-A-Wish to grant 100 unique wishes this year. Participants and community members contribute to a regional budget that ensures these charitable services remain available to children in need.
The takeaway
Community-led fundraising events remain a cornerstone for sustaining local non-profit goals and resource allocation. Engaging with university athletic programs provides organizations like Make-A-Wish with consistent opportunities to raise awareness and donations annually.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts by browsing Philanthropy news.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WSTM.
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