Photos: Make-A-Wish 2019 Gala

Check out scenes from the April 6, 2019, event at InterContinental Boston.


On April 6, 2019, nearly 500 Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island supporters gathered for the 2019 Make-A-Wish Gala at the InterContinental Boston. With the theme of Illuminate the Journey, the event highlighted stories of wish children and the generous community of supporters who help make wishes come true. Rob Gronkowski, New England Patriots legend, was presented with the 2019 Wish Hero Award for his outstanding work as a wish granter, having fulfilled the wishes of 14 children from across the country since 2012. Rob was joined onstage by three wish recipients who met him through their wishes: Ryan (2018), Cole (2012), and Jordyn (2017). The memorable evening, emceed by Liz Brunner, raised over $900,000 to grant wishes for nearly 100 children with life-threatening medical conditions in the coming months.

Photography by Ellen Rogers 

 

2019 Wish Hero Award recipient Rob Gronkowksi speaks to the audience about his role as a wish granter. To-date, Rob has granted the wishes of 14 children from across the country

2019 Wish Hero Award recipient Rob Gronkowksi, New England Patriots legend, with Make-
A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island CEO Charlotte Beattie (far right), board chair Jay Mattie (second from left), emcee Liz Brunner, and wish recipients at the Make-A-Wish Gala

Make-A-Wish Wine and Wishes Committee members Diana Perry (center) and Paul Grossman (right) along with Dean Perry (left)

Make-A-Wish board member and Wish Star Sponsor Andrew Rees of Crocs, Inc., and Nancy King

Chris, Emma and Lori Nelson. The Nelson Family Foundation supported the event as a Wish Partner Sponsor

Catherine and Kevin Whelan; John Walsh, Board of Directors member from Brown Brothers
Harriman, a Wish Partner Sponsor; Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island CEO Charlotte
Beattie; Colin Dowd, past wish recipient

Sal Barbagallo and his daughter, Maria Barbagallo

 

Rob Gronkowski helps auctioneer John Terrio kick off the live auction