Bay Area Make-A-Wish Holds Signature Gala at San Francisco’s Palace Hotel

The glamorous Palace Hotel, downtown San Francisco’s Beaux-Arts gem, hosted a night to remember on March 20, as the Greater Bay Area Make-A-Wish welcomed guests to its annual benefit gala. With the evocative theme of Rediscovering Wonder, the 2025 event was a celebration of the enchantment of childhood. Dinosaurs, capybara costumes and a dance party ensured that guests of all ages had a magical time.

ABC7 New anchor Ama Daetz was the night’s emcee, ushering guests through an action-packed event that included dinner, a live auction and a first-ever “live wish” celebration, with the organization granting 9-year-old Joshua’s wish to meet a capybara. As patron’s enjoyed a multi-course meal accompanied by wines from August Wines, Blackbird Vineyards and Copper Six Wine, among others, they heard testimonials from kids and families about how Make-A-Wish had touched each of their lives. Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area was founded in 1984, and has fulfilled the wishes of more than 9,800 children in its 41-year history.  The organization fulfills the wishes of children, and helps bring a spark of magic to families facing challenging times. This year’s gala raised over $1 million to support this invaluable work.