“A wish grants hope, strength, and joy to children facing critical illnesses and the families that walk beside them,” said Aparna Pande, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish Greater Los Angeles, during the organization’s annual gala on October 10, 2026. Held at The Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, the event transformed the venue into an enchanted forest to raise funds and awareness for children battling critical medical conditions.
The evening opened with an improvised performance by freestyle rapper Harry Mack, who walked through the audience and later called up five wish children to incorporate their words into a song. Gala chair and host Jedd Gold, who also serves as vice-chair of the organization, welcomed attendees alongside director of advancement Sana Moezzi, herself a former wish child who shared her personal story of overcoming illness.
Bid on luxury auction packages and watch performances
Auctioneer Billy Harris led a high-energy live auction that featured a variety of exclusive luxury packages. Bidding highlights included a home dinner cooked by three Michelin-starred chefs for 12 guests, a stay at the Four Seasons Bora Bora with private PS LAX transfers, a Mr. Brainwash art piece, a Rams Monday Night Football package featuring pregame on-field passes, and a Dodgers package complete with four MVP seats, a player meet-and-greet, and batting practice.
A family-style dinner followed the auction, after which 11-year-old singer Isabella Viking performed “A Million Dreams.” A visual montage displayed the names, ages, conditions, and wishes of children currently waiting for their wishes to be granted. Organizers emphasized that for every wish granted, four more children are still waiting for theirs. A feature video also highlighted 17-year-old Kira, who lives with a malignant brain tumor and whose wish to reunite with her grandparents in Russian-occupied Ukraine was fulfilled this past summer. Kira and her mother, Iryna, spoke on stage before guests participated in a Fund-A-Wish paddle raise.
Expert Insight: High-profile charity galas in Los Angeles rely heavily on a mix of celebrity attendance, high-ticket live auctions, and direct personal testimony from beneficiaries to drive donor engagement. By coupling entertainment—such as freestyle rapping and Michelin-star dining packages—with direct appeals from wish recipients, the organization bridges the gap between high-end philanthropy and its core community mission.
Honoring Philanthropists Dana Guerin and Bill Fishel
The program recognized two major supporters of the chapter’s mission. Dana Guerin, a producer and philanthropist, was introduced by her mother, Vera Guerin, who was highlighted by the organization as one of Los Angeles’s greatest philanthropists. Bill Fishel, a real estate executive and former board chair of Make-A-Wish Greater Los Angeles, was introduced by his wife, Kate Fishel. Both honorees delivered remarks following dedicated feature videos detailing their service and commitment.
Celebrity guests spotted in the room included actress Keke Palmer, Olympic figure skater and broadcaster Tara Lapinski, actor Spencer Garrett, Emmy-winning and Oscar-nominated producer Cindy Cowan, supermodel Elisabetta Canalis, and Miss California Sharlize True. Singer Rachel Platten closed out the night with performances of “Stand by You” and “Fight Song.” Reflecting on the event’s success, Gold stated that seeing the audience’s reaction to the enchanted forest setting made the countless hours of preparation worthwhile.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where did the 2026 Wish Gala take place?
The annual event took place on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at The Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel in Beverly Hills, California.
Who were the official honorees at the gala?
The organization honored producer and philanthropist Dana Guerin, introduced by her mother Vera Guerin, and former board chair and real estate executive Bill Fishel, introduced by his wife Kate Fishel.
How can supporters learn more or contribute to the chapter?
Individuals can visit the official Make-A-Wish Greater Los Angeles website at wish.org/la to learn more about the chapter’s ongoing efforts and support future wishes.
What role do you think celebrity-driven charity events play in sustaining long-term fundraising efforts for regional non-profit organizations?
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