ABC Greater Michigan invites community to grant wishes; make dreams come true for Make-A-Wish Michigan children

Not everyone has the opportunity to grant a wish to children facing critical illnesses. It can be both a special and sombering moment. Often, the experience is a life-changing memory for both parties involved. 

The Associated Builders & Contractors Greater Michigan chapter (ABC-GMC) invites the community to be a part of the grant-wishing opportunity at the 39th annual Great Lakes Bay Regional Fundraiser on Friday, April 17. The annual event at the Great Hall in Midland benefits Make-A-Wish Michigan. 

This year’s theme is bloom and believe, encouraging floral and spring-inspired attire. Kristin Knoll, executive director of Covenant HealthCare Foundation is this year’s Honorary Chair. Guests can enjoy live music by The Rock Show, silent and live auctions, a buffet dinner, dessert, and two drink tickets. There will also be past wish recipients sharing their stories of how the foundation and fundraiser positively impacted their lives. 

Established in 1950, the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) has 67 chapters and more than 23,000 members throughout the national construction industry trade association. The Greater Michigan Chapter works across 23 counties, providing craft and professional education, industry communication and legislative representation. Their vision is to foster and sustain a free-enterprise environment for people and companies to succeed in the free-market system — valuing safety, quality, and the opportunity to work regardless of labor affiliation. 

Cathy Geiger is the director of marketing and community affairs at ABC-GMC, and helps market and manage roughly 50 events throughout the year — training, safety events, networking and fundraising events, including the annual Make-A-Wish event.

“It’s our one event where 100 percent of the proceeds go to Make-A-Wish Michigan,” she says. “We really believe in this event and honoring children who are facing critical health challenges. We have been hosting a child every year in our region. This event really helps a child and their family for a brief moment look past their limitations of what they’re facing.”

Geiger has a personal connection to the cause — her nephew and her cousin were both able to get their wishes granted through the organization. 

“This is really close to my heart,” Geiger says. “I love being a part of this event and we have an awesome committee that helps put this event on, and they’re 100 percent all-in.”

Angela Madarang is the president of the ABC-GMC and is also proud to be a part of this annual event. 

“Throughout this long-term sponsorship of 39 years, ABC-GMC has helped raise over $1 million for Make-A-Wish Michigan. We raise around $30,000 or more every year,” Madarang says. 

For Geiger, it’s about more than just the dollar amount raised, it’s the true impact this program has on critically ill kids. The relationships formed throughout are often long lasting, and the memories stick with you. 

“You become friends with these families and you really celebrate those wins,” Geiger says. “Going from seeing them in the hospital and now seeing them thrive and be well is so great to see. You see pictures of them on their trips and it’s just wonderful to witness.”

Two years ago the event was Hawaiian themed, and the chosen Make-A-Wish kid had the serendipitous wish of going to Hawaii to swim with the dolphins. Many other wishes are often for family trips to Disney World or New York City. 

Last year, there were two separate children who got their unique wishes granted, including Brooklynn, a Jackson native. Local construction companies and partners (Next Chapter Construction, Community Building Services, Independence Commercial Construction, Architectural Metals, etc.) worked around-the-clock from April to June last year to build a custom, wheelchair-accessible treehouse complete with a 60-foot accessible ramp. 

“Brooklynn suffers from a chronic condition, she’s bound to a wheelchair and it makes it very difficult for her to travel, so a trip wasn’t really in the cards,” says Madarang. “Make-A-Wish called us and said they really needed someone to help build the tree house. They said they would supply a portion of the dollars towards the tree house. We ended up not needing that at all because ABC members are so generous and love giving back to the community. Our contractor members just fell in love with Brooklynn and the project and it was 100 percent paid for and built by ABC contractor members.”

Both Geiger and Madarang are excited to see the positive light the community can shine on families going through dark times through this year’s fundraiser. Tickets are available online for the April 17 event.