Make-A-Wish Colorado Celebrates Community of Supporters

Since its beginning in 1983, Make-A-Wish Colorado has granted life-changing wishes to 6,500 children with critical illnesses. Each wish helps to replace fear and pain with excitement and strength, and offers joy and hope to the child and their family. In order to grant these wishes, Make-A-Wish Colorado relies on a village of supporters including corporate sponsors, donors, wish granters, volunteers, schools and businesses. 

Recently, Make-A-Wish Colorado celebrated its community of supporters at the second annual Whiskey, Wine & Wishes. Nearly 600 people enjoyed a night of delicious food and drink, dancing to the music of country artist Randall King and special wish moments.

Hockey Hall of Famer and President of Player Operations for the Colorado Avalanche, Joe Sakic, accepted the Wish Hero award on behalf of the Colorado Avalanche for the team’s ongoing support and help in granting wishes to dozens of wish kids across the country. He was joined on stage by team mascot Bernie and 4-year-old wish kid Christian, who was told in front of a packed audience that his wish to meet a group of mascots would be granted later this summer.

Among the Whiskey, Wine & Wishes guests was Doug McDonald, founder and president of Bancroft Capital. McDonald is a firm believer in the nonprofit’s mission and joined the board of directors in 2023. His family shares his passion – his wife volunteers as an airport greeter for out-of-state wish kids who wish to visit Colorado and with the Kids For Wish Kids program, his daughter is Make-A-Wish Colorado intern and his twin sons both serve on the Youth Leadership Council, a group of high school students who support the nonprofit and learn valuable leadership skills in the process.

Over the years, the McDonald family has actively supported Make-A-Wish Colorado through donations and sponsorships and participated in events. For Whiskey, Wine & Wishes, they donated a summer and winter stay at their Silverthorne home, featured by Parade of Homes in 2023, for the event’s live and silent auctions.

Says McDonald, “Philanthropy takes many forms. Some people donate their time, others their talents and those who can afford to, make monetary donations. It takes all three to create the magic involved with every wish.” 

The second annual Whiskey, Wine & Wishes was a huge success and raised enough funds to grant 90 wishes. Guests enjoyed the live music, delicious food options, open bar and many amazing auction items. For McDonald, the best part was witnessing Christian’s wish reveal. “Seeing the smiles on the family members’ faces and the fierce hug he shared with Bernie – that’s what it’s all about,” shared McDonald.

To become a part of Make-A-Wish Colorado’s community of supporters, visit www.wish.org/colorado.