Volunteers to be Honored at Wish Night 2017 Gala

    CAMARILLO, CA, February 12, 2017 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Two volunteers will be honored by Make-A-Wish Tri-Counties at the 8th Annual Wish Night gala on March 3 at the Hyatt Regency in Westlake Village. Meredith Garofalo/KEYT News Channel 3 has been named community partner of the year for her dedicated community outreach efforts. Francisco Bracho, M.D., will receive the honor of healthcare professional of the year for his tireless work for Wish kids battling life-threatening medical conditions and their families.

"Meredith and Dr. Bracho dedicate countless hours supporting the work of Make-A-Wish Tri-Counties. We are fortunate to work with these dedicated professionals and it's truly an honor to recognize them for their service," said Pattie Mullins, CEO, Make-A-Wish TriCounties.

"Meredith's outreach efforts have raised awareness about the work that goes into each wish granted and the donations needed to make each wish come true. Dr. Bracho has worked magic to support our program making it possible for wish kids to travel safely and experience the power of a wish."

Garofalo, a Santa Barbara resident, has worked as a meteorologist for KEYT News Channel 3 in Santa Barbara for three years. She first got involved with Make-A-Wish Tri-Counties in 2014 when she reported on the Wish Ambassador and the Wishes in Flight programs.

"This was my first exposure to Make-A-Wish Tri-Counties. I was amazed by the love and commitment the Make-A-Wish staff puts into every detail of the wish," said Garofalo. "Seeing the profound impact a wish can have on the child and his/her family is so inspiring."

As founding director of the program for Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at Ventura County Medical Center, Dr. Bracho was instrumental in providing a local facility for treatment of many seriously ill children, especially those with cancer. He says it is a privilege to unburden these families with quality local care. The bonus is he can also refer those children to Make-A-Wish Tri-Counties.

"One of my most memorable moments was getting a picture of a 3-year-old wish kid giving the "thumbs up" from the cockpit of a plane, on his way to a special place," said Dr. Bracho. Several years later, MAWTC asked him to serve as Medical Advisor. "I was honored then as I am now. Make-A-Wish Tri-Counties continues to be one of the brightest lights here in our area."

Wish Night will be held from 6-9:30 p.m. and guests will have the opportunity to help make wishes come true through Fund-A-Wish. The evening also features heartfelt wish stories, a plated dinner, a wine wall, live music and silent and live auctions. Philanthropist and reality TV show personality (ABC's The Bachelor) Andrew Firestone will serve as master of
ceremonies.

Last year Make-A-Wish Tri-Counties granted over 90 wishes for local children throughout Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties. This year's goal is 100 wishes. For tickets and/or sponsorship information, visit http://tri-counties.wish.org/ or email [email protected] or call the Wish Center at (805) 826-1178.

About Make-A-Wish Tri-Counties
Founded in 1985, Make-A-Wish Tri-Counties has granted the wishes of more than 1,400 local children in Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties on the central coast of California. Make-AWish Tri-Counties is located at 4001 Mission Oaks Blvd., Suite F, Camarillo, CA 93012. For more information or to make a donation, visit http://tri-counties.wish.org/about-us or call (805) 676-9474.

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