[EDITOR'S NOTE: Anna Roy co-wrote the following story with Ellie Bowen.]

Wednesday, October 8, the Phi Gamma chapter of Chi Omega hosted their new and improved philanthropy Dishes for Wishes event. Money raised was donated to Chi O’s national philanthropy, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and to the chapter’s very own wish recipient.  

Held at the Chi O house, guests filled their plates with food donated by local vendors and had the opportunity to enter raffles for exciting gifts. Afterwards, guests continued to the front lawn to enjoy their dinner, with entertainment including live music and a Make-A-Wish presentation. With so many in attendance, long lines looped through the house and portions weren’t exactly enormous, but none of that mattered because everyone was happy to help Chi O’s cause.  

Make-A-Wish is a non-profit organization dedicated to bettering the lives of kids with life-threatening medical conditions by granting their wildest wishes.  A wish is granted every 38 minutes, on average. Since 2002, Chi Omega has raised at least $13 million and has volunteered over half a million hours for Make-A-Wish. Every year, the Phi Gamma chapter grants the wish of a child from close to home.  

The recipient, along with his four siblings and parents, were the guests of honor at Dishes for Wishes. Luke is an eight year-old who was five when he was diagnosed with Wilms’ Tumor, a rare kidney cancer found in children. The tumor was so large that Luke had an entire kidney removed, and he also underwent chemotherapy treatment. Luke completed chemo last year and is doing extremely well. This past summer, Phi Gamma granted his wish, which was taking a trip to Atlantis Resort with his family of six. They had fun in sun and couldn’t have been more grateful.  

Luke lit up the event and made all the hard work worthwhile.  Dishes for Wishes was undoubtedly a success, and Phi Gamma hopes that it will continue changing children’s lives in the years to come through Make-A-Wish.