When a wish comes true, it changes everything — and DC just proved it.
The nation’s capital knows how to show up, and Wish Ball 2026 was proof. In one extraordinary evening, the DMV community raised a record-shattering $1,613,477 for Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic, granting life-changing wishes to critically ill children across Maryland, DC, and Northern Virginia. Hosted by beloved DC personality Tommy McFly alongside the evening’s wish kids, the ballroom hummed with emotion, laughter, and the unmistakable energy of thousands of people choosing hope.
Five Wish Kids Took the Stage and Owned It
Amara, Zachary, Sophia, Bear, and Zahara each shared their wish journeys — stories of courage, imagination, and transformation that left no dry eyes in the room. The evening also paused with grace and purpose to honor the wish children and loved ones who passed in 2025, celebrating the lasting light they brought to the mission. DC’s professional sports teams and regional leaders stood side by side with these families, making clear that the entire region rallies behind hope — not just in season, but always!
A Wish Isn’t Just Nice. It’s Necessary.
The science backs it up: 79% of adult former wish kids report that their wish experience marked a turning point in their treatment and recovery. Research shows, and physicians agree, that wishes improve quality of life and produce measurably better health outcomes. When a child faces a devastating illness beyond their control, a wish offers something medicine alone cannot — the power of choice, joy, and a moment that belongs entirely to them. The Wish Ball exists to make those moments happen, and this year’s event delivered like never before.
Presenting Sponsor Bethesda Game Studios Led the Way
A heartfelt thank you goes to Presenting Sponsor Bethesda Game Studios — the legendary creative force behind the Fallout series (now a smash-hit TV show) — located just twenty miles north of DC. Their unwavering multi-year commitment to Wish Ball has been nothing short of extraordinary, and their leadership helped set the tone for a record night. Major sponsors and donors including CareFirst, the Washington Capitals, the J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation, Hilton, the Savannah Bananas, Chef Spike Mendelsohn, Turkish Airlines, Sheehy Auto Stores, and BakerHostetler brought the full force of the DMV’s business and sports community to bear on one purpose: granting wishes for kids who need them most!
