Ohio State alumni, coaches and friends came together Saturday on the field at Ohio Stadium with a big goal in mind — to raise $1 million for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central Ohio.
The second-annual “Big Wish Gala” took place in a large white tent that spanned from the south end zone to the 50-yard line. On the north end of the Shoe sat a large hot-air balloon, which provided rides for those who donated during the evening.
Guests were treated to a three-course dinner courtesy of Cameron Mitchell Catering and a silent auction that included various OSU memorabilia. The dinner was followed by a chat session among coaches Jim Tressel and Thad Matta and former OSU football player Kirk Herbstreit about the upcoming football and basketball seasons.
Other notable OSU alumni, including A.J. Hawk and Andy Katzenmoyer, also supported the event.
For basketball coach Matta, it was his wife who inspired him to get involved with the event. His wife Barbara has played an active role in the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
“It’s funny because I think a lot of times what I do for a living, you get so focused and concentrated on the job you have to do,” Matta said. “Then you come out to an event like this Make-A-Wish, and it really puts a lot of things in perspective for you, how much you can help kids who need a wish. I’ve always been honored to be here and hopefully we can do our part.”
Coach Tressel was equally moved by the ceremony.
“You’re so touched by these stories and these families,” Tressel said. “Just to see the joy in these youngsters’ hearts, their families, the glow — it’s a reality check is what it is.”
After dinner, attendees were introduced to the guests of honor: the children of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Guests were then interrupted with a special surprise, an appearance by the drum major, Brutus and the cheerleaders.
The live auction was then started. The first item up for bid was drum major Jason Stuckert’s baton. Other items auctioned off included a signed basketball from the 1960 National Championship basketball team, a trip to Disney World and a puppy courtesy of Petland presented by Miss Ohio.
Bidders raised their arms in fierce competition, bringing the final auction price of some items to as high as $21,000.
The highlight of the evening was an acoustic performance by Columbus-native country band Rascal Flatts.
The group performed some of its top hits, including “Fast Cars and Freedom” and “What Hurts the Most,” and OSU cheerleaders joined the group on stage as the band performed “Life is a Highway.”
The children of Make-A-Wish were also invited on stage as the crowd sang along with the last song of the night, “My Wish.”
The event was able to exceed the $840,000 it made last year with more than $1 million in donations. The proceeds will make wishes come true for children in central Ohio battling life-threatening illnesses.
