The recent Make-A-Wish Foundation fundraiser topped its expectations.

The North Dakota chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation held its annual dinner and auction event, "A World of Wishes," on Oct. 20. The event is a fundraiser which the organization hoped would bring in $30,000 to support its mission. The turnout exceeded expectations when the foundation garnered between $53,000 and $58,000, an increase of more than $16,000 from last year's event, and an all-time record.

"We were incredibly surprised at how much the people in our community opened up their hearts and their pocketbooks that night," said Nicole Morrison-Mathern, who has been volunteering with the Make-A-Wish Foundation for the past seven years.

More than 330 guests and 12 Make-A-Wish families attended the event. One of the families, Mindy andTony Steckler, have attended the event for the last three years. "We always have a great time, and the children have a great time," Mindy Steckler said. The Stecklers attended the event with 15 family and friends there to support them.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation is working toward granting 25 wishes, and will be able to grant 11 wishes with proceeds from the event. Each wish costs an average of $5,000. Mindy Steckler said her and her family were excited that this event was so successful. "It's awesome to see so many community and business people come together to donate and support the families."

To find out more about the Make-A-Wish Foundation, visit http://www.ndwish.org.

(Scott Larkin is a student at the University of Mary.)