Every organization at some point needs to ask for help when it comes to creating new growth. In the case of Wigs 4 Kids, it comes in the form of an annual gala.
On Sept.12, Wigs 4 Kids hosted its 12th Annual Gala at a new venue – the Sterling Inn in Sterling Heights. The theme of the event was “When You Wish Upon a Star” and the children Wigs 4 Kids serves were the stars of the evening.
Wigs 4 Kids is a local, grassroots nonprofit organization based in St. Clair Shores that provides wigs as well as support services to Michigan children experiencing hair loss as a result of illness and treatment. The program is available to children and teens between the ages of 3 through 18 at no cost to them or their families.
Guests were treated to talent performances and a fashion show with Wigs 4 Kids recipients, dinner, a sweet treat extravaganza as well as exciting raffles and auctions to raise funds for the cause. Attendees also enjoyed photo opportunities with Steve Wilkos of “The Steve Wilkos Show,” and the Golds from “Hardcore PAWN.”
Jim Berline of BERLINE Marketing served as guest speaker and shared his heartfelt story of creating a public service announcement to support children affected by cancer.
Wigs 4 Kids’ key sponsors were honored in a special presentation and included the Wayne & Joan Webber Foundation, White Castle, Paul Mitchell School and the Andrew Gomez Dream Foundation, Lamar Advertising and Art Van Furniture. White Castle presented Wigs 4 Kids with a check from their annual fundraiser; beating last year’s total with a donation of $70,000 which added to the excitement of the evening.
The continued growth of the organization was evident everywhere; the new venue offered Wigs 4 Kids the opportunity to expand the crowd to 1,000 people.
Maggie Varney, Founder & CEO of Wigs 4 Kids, reflected on the growth in her speech. “I want to have a heart to heart with you,” she announced to the crowd. “There are no more hours in the day, days in the week, or space in our Wellness Center to keep growing at our current rate. We need a new facility.”
Varney added: “We chose the theme ‘When You Wish Upon a Star’ as we feel that dreams really do come true. Our dream for Wigs 4 Kids is to open a permanent brick-and-mortar Wellness Center to continue serving the children of our communities. In the new facility, Wigs 4 Kids will more than double the amount of children we currently serve. In order to do this, we need your ongoing love and financial support.
“It’s all about the kids and ensuring they will always have a social setting where they can receive one-on-one, personalized care at no charge. We are grateful to everyone,” Varney said.
