BIG Wish Gala Raises $760,000
for Make-A-Wish Foundation^®

Rascal Flatts Delivers a Memorable Performance

The Second Annual BIG Wish Gala presented by SafeAuto was a big success, raising approximately $760,000 and attracting more than 730 attendees from as far away as New Mexico.

Guests were treated to a spectacular view of Ohio Stadium in a large clear-span tent that sprawled from the south end zone to the 50-yard line along with an intimate performance by Country Music Superstars Rascal Flatts.

The star-studded event, hosted by NBC 4 Anchor Colleen Marshall, also featured ESPN College Football Analyst Kirk Herbstreit, OSU Men’s Basketball Coach Thad Matta, OSU Head Football Coach Jim Tressel, as well as many legendary football players.

Six wish families were on hand and treated to a private meet and greet with Rascal Flatts, hot air balloon rides and a special moment in the spotlight with the band.

Rascal Flatts has granted 24 wishes for the Foundation since 2003, including six-year-old Reagan’s wish. Reagan is battling Prader-Willi syndrome, a genetic condition known to cause life-threatening obesity. Reagan took center stage and announced, “Ladies and gentleman Rascal Flatts!”

Rascal Flatts sang several of their hit songs, but their last song, My Wish, was the shining moment. “When Rascal Flatts serenaded our wish children on stage with My Wish, we were all moved,”  remarked President & CEO Susan McConnell. “The lyrics to that song really resonate with our wish families and the guys sang to our kids like they were the only people in the room.”

“The Make-A-Wish Foundation is one of our favorite charities and we were happy to be a part of the BIG Wish Gala,” remarked Bass Guitarist Jay DeMarcus. “The evening was all about heroes and we felt humbled by the courageous families we met. These kids are the real heroes,”  he said.

Major corporate support came from Presenting Sponsor SafeAuto; Wish Sponsors Walmart, Discover and Cameron Mitchell Catering; and Strength Sponsor Fifth Third Bank. NBC 4 served as the media sponsor.

“The success of the BIG Wish Gala will help us to eliminate our backlog of pending wishes and continue to provide ‘BIG Wishes’ for courageous kids like Reagan,”  said McConnell. “This was a big undertaking and I’m deeply grateful to Rascal Flatts and all of the sponsors, attendees, auction donors, volunteers and organizers for helping us make wishes come true.”