Make-A-Wish North Texas raised a record nearly $3.2 million Saturday night during its 2026 Wish Night Gala, marking the largest fundraising total in the event’s history.
The black-tie gathering at the Omni Dallas Hotel drew hundreds of supporters from across the region for an evening centered on helping children facing critical illnesses.
Organizers said the milestone was fueled in part by early momentum, with more than $1 million in sponsorships and ticket sales secured before the event began. Additional contributions included over $1 million from Fund-A-Wish donations, more than $500,000 from a live auction, and upward of $100,000 from a silent auction. Event chairs Amy and Marty Brimmage also announced a $500,000 gift during the program.
Founded in 1982, the organization has fulfilled over 14,000 wishes for children in 161 counties spanning North, East, and West Texas. This year’s gala highlighted a new initiative aimed at reducing delays for families awaiting wishes.
Chief Executive Officer Kim Elenez described the event as a turning point for the nonprofit’s mission.
“This year’s Wish Night was truly transformational for our organization and, more importantly, for the children and families we serve,” Elenez said, Audacy reported. “The record-breaking support we saw is a powerful reflection of how deeply our community believes in this mission at a critical moment. Through our ‘Two Years, Too Long’ campaign, we are working with urgency to eliminate the wait for every eligible child, because a wish can’t wait.”
Throughout the evening, children and families shared personal experiences, emphasizing how wishes can provide comfort and encouragement during difficult medical journeys.
Proceeds from the gala will go toward funding future wishes and accelerating the organization’s efforts to reach eligible children more quickly.
To donate to Make-A-Wish North Texas, click here, or to refer a child, click here.
Prior DX coverage on Make-A-Wish North Texas: Changing Lives With Make-A-Wish North Texas CEO Kim Elenez → Direct interview/profile with her about the organization’s impact. Link: https://dallasexpress.com/profiles/changing-lives-with-make-a-wish-north-texas-ceo-kim-elenez/
