ABC Greater Michigan Chapter will host its Great Lakes Bay Regional Fundraiser to Benefit Make-A-Wish set for Friday, April 19 at the Great Hall, Midland. Guests are welcome to join the community in honoring past and current Wish Kids who are bravely facing their health challenges.
Honorary chairs, Rebecca Koltvedt and her son Jack, will join attendees to experience the power of gifting hope and granting wishes. A wish granting helps kids look past their limitations, families overcome anxiety and entire communities experience more joy. Most importantly, wishes can improve a child’s quality of life.
As members of the Great Lakes Bay Region, Rebecca and Jack want to share their experience with Make-A-Wish and show their gratitude for everyone that is helping to raise awareness and funds for an organization that grants life-changing wishes to local children with critical illnesses.
At the age of 14, Jack Koltvedt received a diagnosis of B Cell ALL (acute lymphoblastic leukemia) Philadelphia Chromosome positive. His wish to snorkel in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands with his family, was fulfilled in November 2023. However, the anticipation leading up to their vacation was filled with stress for the family. Uncertainty loomed over their ability to travel due to Jack’s illness. Upon receiving clearance from the doctor, the family, including his dad and mom, John Sr. and Rebecca; his sister, Lauren; and his brother, John Jr., hastily packed on a Saturday afternoon for their flight scheduled at 2:30 am on Sunday morning.
“What a blessing to have had five amazing days of freedom (that’s how it has felt). No sickness, no treatments, just JOY,” Becky said in a Facebook post.
This year the event will have a totally rad theme. Guests are encouraged to wear 80-sthemed attire to this year’s 80’s themed party.
Tickets are $65 and include dinner, entertainment by The Rock Show band, silent and live auctions and more! Purchase your ticket on ABC’s website, https://www.abcgmc.org/events/the-great-lakes-bay-regional-fundraiser-2/. Sponsorships are available, and the committee is looking for silent and live auction items. Reach out to Cathy Geiger, cgeiger@abcgmc.org, for more information.