Make-A-Wish Malaysia raises RM114,000 from a live auction of eight items to bring festive joy to critically-ill children
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 15 — Non-profit organisation Make-A-Wish Malaysia has raised RM114,000 to bring festive joy to critically-ill children.
The fund was raised at its WishBall 2022, an annual fundraising event which made a comeback after a three-year hiatus.
It was hosted at Hilton Kuala Lumpur recently.
The evening gathered over 500 guests, all dressed in lively colours to reflect the theme "Colours of Life” to celebrate diversity, equity and inclusivity.
Highlights of the evening included the bid for a painting of Disney character Princess Ariel by wish child Nazneen Zofia, who was diagnosed with brittle bone disease and had her wish granted when she was eight years old.
Six years later, Nazneen donated this painting to help raise funds for other children’s wishes.
With a reserved price of RM1,000, Nazneen’s masterpiece received countless bids from both ends of the ballroom and was sold for RM16,000.
According to Luo Yong Wen, who bought the painting, supporting the dreams of Nazneen and others in need is unequivocally obligatory for him.
"Seeing what she has gone through and the immense persistence, resilience and creativity in her is absolutely inspiring.
"The beautiful painting to me symbolises looking out to a horizon of endless possibilities and I’m sure Nazneen will achieve amazing things in her life.”
The auction also saw other items such as travel packages, luxury hotel stays and limited edition fashion goods going under the hammer.
Aside from the auction, 11 wishes were also adopted by generous donors at the event.
Make-A-Wish royal patron Tengku Zatashah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah said reviving Wishball is very challenging and the uncertain business environment didn’t make it easy.
"We would like to thank everyone who donated items for the auction and lucky draw as well as the guests who came.
"We humbly thank you for standing by us on this journey.”
