The Waldorf Astoria in Washington, DC has long been a beacon of timeless elegance, and on Saturday, February 22, 2025, its grand halls will once again come alive with an air of opulence and purpose. Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic’s annual Wish Ball—a highlight of the season—promises an evening of rare sophistication, heartfelt tributes, and philanthropy that changes lives.
The meticulously restored Waldorf Astoria will welcome more than 750 distinguished guests for an affair that seamlessly blends the city’s most captivating social traditions with the transformative work of Make-A-Wish. Last year’s Wish Ball raised a record-breaking $1.53 million, enabling the organization to grant 376 life-changing wishes for children battling critical illnesses in the Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia, and Maryland region. While a remarkable milestone, the need remains immense—over 500 children in the D.C. area are diagnosed annually with conditions that make them eligible for a wish. For each wish fulfilled, at least one more child awaits.
Founded in 1983, Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic has granted more than 11,500 wishes, offering joyous reprieves and lasting hope to children facing formidable health challenges. Wishes are proven catalysts for better health outcomes and resilience—a concept championed by physicians and families alike. This year’s Wish Ball continues that essential mission, ensuring that no child is ever turned away.
This Wish Ball will be a Night to Remember
From the moment guests step onto the plush carpets of the Waldorf Astoria, they’ll be immersed in an evening of fine dining, spirited libations, and enchanting entertainment by Lucy Black Gold. Live and silent auctions—overflowing with exclusive items and experiences—promise a lively exchange of bids for the benefit of young dreamers in our community. As in years past, inspirational speeches by wish families will serve as the emotional core of the night—moving, uplifting, and a testimony to the power of a wish.
Famous Wish Ball Co-Chairs
Steering the festivities for 2025 are Co-Chairs Katherine & Benjamin Berman and Sophie & Stephen LaMontagne, the visionary siblings behind the iconic Georgetown Cupcake. Katherine Kallinis Berman and Sophie Kallinis LaMontagne—stars of TLC’s “DC Cupcakes” and best-selling authors—have earned nationwide acclaim for their confections and philanthropic initiatives. Their support of Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic underscores a genuine passion for ensuring children’s health and happiness. Over the past 15 years, the sisters have turned Georgetown Cupcake’s Washington, D.C. flagship into an international destination for dessert lovers, all while consistently giving back to the community.
Join the Wish Ball Celebration
The Wish Ball begins at 6 p.m. and will continue in spirited fashion until midnight. Tickets are priced at $500 per person, with sponsorship packages ranging from $5,000 to $50,000. Proceeds directly benefit the granting of local wishes—deeply personal experiences that infuse courage and positivity into the long roads of treatment and recovery. Become a Sponsor
This signature event is more than just a dazzling gala—it’s an investment in hope, a chance to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with kindred spirits who believe in the power of a child’s dream. As you mark your calendar for this can’t-miss Washington soirée, remember that each ticket not only secures an unforgettable evening but also helps a child discover new heights of possibility and resilience.
Reserve Your Place
To purchase tickets or explore sponsorship opportunities, please visit About Wish Ball or email [email protected]. Special accommodations are available at the Waldorf Astoria through the dedicated Wish Ball room block for overnight stays.
Come February 22, glide through the storied corridors of the Waldorf Astoria to the strains of live music, the joy of philanthropic solidarity, and the promise that every wish granted illuminates a brighter future for a child in need. Because at Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic’s Wish Ball, hope itself becomes the evening’s most exquisite adornment.
