Make-A-Wish South Carolina is proud to announce that Wish Night 2026: A World of Pure Imagination, held Saturday evening at Wild Dunes Resort and presented by The Cox Group, raised an astounding $1,239,628—enough to grant 165 wishes for children facing critical illnesses. This year’s historic generosity comes during a time of significant need: 324 medically qualified children in South Carolina are currently waiting for their wishes, including 57 children in the Lowcountry.
Make-A-Wish South Carolina President and CEO Misty Farmer said the event demonstrated the extraordinary impact that community support can have on families navigating medical uncertainty. “Wish Night is where generosity becomes hope, courage becomes visible, and imagination becomes healing,” Farmer said. “Thanks to the compassion of our supporters, 165 children will now receive the joy of a wish. And for the hundreds still waiting, this momentum brings us closer to achieving our vision of granting the wish of every eligible child across South Carolina.”
This year marked the debut of the Wish Night Leadership Committee, chaired by Kat Wawner, Founder and CEO of Wawner Strategies, who also served as Leadership Committee sponsor. The committee included Lauren Collie, Lauren Fox, Angela Phillips, Langdon Smith, Becca Berton, Caycee Hewitt, Kelly Andrews, Kendall Brugger, Caroline Moluf, and Molly Basile. Guests were welcomed and guided through the evening’s program by emcees Brooke Ryan and wish alum Elaina, with auctioneers Erin Kienzle & wish alum Steven leading the live auction. The event also featured the first-ever Blue Carpet Livestream, hosted by wish alum PJ and presented by Gallagher, which offered supporters an inside look at the cocktail reception, sponsor interviews, and wish kid highlights.
One of the evening’s most memorable moments came from wish alum Mariam, a 12-year-old from Mauldin living with a rare disease. Her wish—“to have a nail salon in my home”—was granted in February 2026. Onstage, Mariam shared how the creation of her home-based nail salon brought her happiness, creativity, and a meaningful escape during difficult treatments.
The gala also featured two surprise wish reveals. Sixteen-year-old wish kid Rutlee of Lake City, who lives with a liver disorder and finds peace in the outdoors, wished for an aluminum fishing boat. After he shared his story with guests inside the ballroom, he was escorted outside to the valet circle, where a camo 15-foot Gator Tough Jon Boat—made possible in part by Stingray Boats—was waiting for him. Guests inside watched via live video as Rutlee saw the boat for the first time. When he returned to the ballroom moments later, he was greeted by a full standing ovation, with guests cheering and clapping before announcing together, “Rutlee, your wish is granted.”
Another impactful moment centered on 19-year-old wish kid Tyler of Simpsonville, who has lived with a lifelong blood disorder and developed a passion for cooking at an early age. Now a Dean’s List culinary student at Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte, Tyler dreams of becoming a private chef for celebrities. Believing he was attending Wish Night simply as an ambassador, he was surprised onstage by Chef Juan Cassalett, Executive Chef and Co-Owner of Michelin-starred Malagón, and Chef Rodney Scott, James Beard Award-winning Top Chef and owner of Rodney Scott’s BBQ. The chefs announced that Tyler will spend a full day training with Scott and receive mentorship from Cassalett. The reveal culminated with a “Michelin Star Dining Experience”—a private dinner prepared jointly by Tyler and Chef Cassalett—which was auctioned twice to the night’s top bidders.
A major announcement was also made by Paradigm Therapeutics, this year’s Cocktail Reception Sponsor. Dr. Bob Ryan, the company’s Founder and CEO and a Make-A-Wish South Carolina Board Director, shared that Paradigm Therapeutics has committed to serving as the Wish Night presenting sponsor for the next three years. “The entire team at Paradigm Therapeutics was honored to be a part of this record-breaking gala for South Carolina wish kids,” Ryan said. “We are excited to announce our commitment to lead Wish Night 2027 as the presenting sponsor and continue our commitment to granting the wish of every eligible child.”
Make-A-Wish South Carolina also announced the date for next year’s event. Wish Night 2027, titled “Wild for Wishes,” will take place on March 13, 2027, once again at Wild Dunes Resort. Those interested in sponsorship opportunities may contact Shannon Rice at srice@sc.wish.org.
Make-A-Wish South Carolina has granted more than 4,700 wishes since its founding in 1984. The organization creates life-changing wish experiences for children with critical illnesses, bringing hope, strength, and joy to families across the state. More information is available at wish.org/sc.
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