Enjoy craft beer, raise funds for sick kids at Wishtoberfest

Make-A-Wish® Alaska and Washington’s Wishtoberfest, presented by Venture General Contractors, is a new event for craft beer and cider lovers to enjoy their favorite local brews while raising funds for local children with critical illnesses. Come celebrate and make a difference at the Seattle Design Center on Friday, October 13^thGuests will enjoy craft beer, cider and food from local breweries and restaurants, featuring Seattle favorites like Elysian Brewing, Fremont Brewing, Seattle Cider Co. and many, many more! And, that’s not all. There will be games, a silent auction, music, dancing and an inspiriting program about wishes.

Wishes like Renae’s who wished to meet two-time All-Star NBA forward for the Spurs Sean Elliot in 2001. At age 10, Renae was diagnosed with Senior-Loken syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that caused blindness, kidney failure and countless challenges. After her kidney transplant, she underwent over 20 operations to fix complications. Renae says she admired Sean not only for his skills in the court but because, like her, he was a kidney transplant recipient.

"I was a huge basketball fan and loved the Spurs,” she said. “But, more importantly, it was Sean's courage, strength and ability to return and compete at the highest level, post-transplant, that inspired my wish to meet him.”

That hour-long meeting with Sean changed her outlook on life, Renae said.

“It was literally the fastest hour of my life, yet one of the most pivotal” she said. “I returned home from my wish with a new perspective. I had an increased desire to set high expectations for myself, dream big, and live life to the fullest.”

Now in her 30s, Renae can see the impact her wish had on her life. In the 17 years after her transplant she has completed six marathons, downhill skied and even tried trapeze!

The effect that a wish can have is not unique to Renae’s wish. A wish can not only give a children with critical illnesses an escape from doctor’s appointments and hospital room but also a renewed physical and emotional strength to fight their illness that produces better health outcomes.

Our vision is to grant a wish to every eligible child by 2020. With your help, we can achieve that goal. Come support wishes for brave children fighting critical illnesses, connect with your local Make-A-Wish community and enjoy a night of delicious food and drinks at our inaugural Wishtoberfest on October 13th. Tickets are on sale now at akwa.wish.org/wishtoberfest.