Johnson Brunetti Partners with Make-A-Wish® Connecticut as Presenting Sponsor of First-Ever Talent Show
Johnson Brunetti Investment & Retirement Specialists saw an opportunity to partner with Make-A-Wish Connecticut during this COVID-19 summer to be the Presenting Sponsor of a new event to bring hope and smiles to the more than 100 local children with critical illnesses waiting for their wishes to come true.
The event was a first-ever state-wide Virtual Talent Show.
Today, both organizations announced that, with the support of wish families, local supporters, and a generous matching donation, the event raised nearly $30,000, almost triple the $10,000 goal initially set. The funds raised from virtual “high-five” donations will help grant wishes for local children waiting for their wishes to come true.
“Once again, the people of Connecticut stepped up to help support Make-A-Wish in a truly unique and inspiring way,” said Pamela Keough, President & CEO of Make-A-Wish Connecticut. “The support of Johnson Brunetti helped us to attract and engage the community in a way that will help continue our work in these challenging times.”
“Make-A-Wish holds a very special place in our hearts, and we felt the urgency to help them continue their amazing work,” said Joel Johnson, CFP®, managing partner of Johnson Brunetti, a long-time sponsor of Make-A-Wish Connecticut. “Together, our community created a very special and memorable event that will help make wishes come true for Connecticut children.”
Thirty-four people participated in the Virtual Talent Show, including Make-A-Wish kids, siblings, donors, volunteers, staff, and community members. Their talents included tap dancing, singing, dancing, martial arts, swimming, cooking, ukulele acts, painting videos and so many more.
The public was invited to vote for their favorite acts with a $5 donation from July 29 – August 4. Every $5 donation was one vote for a favorite act. The three talent videos with the most virtual “high-fives” by August 4 received an Apple AirPods prize package from Johnson Brunetti. To view these talented acts, you can visit the Make-A-Wish YouTube page at youtube.com/makeawishct.
One talented participant was Bristol teenager and Make-A-Wish/Johnson Brunetti adoptee Caitlin Hildebrand who performed the song Cups from the movie Pitch Perfect. Hildebrand was a Make-A-Wish recipient of a West Coast trip to visit a farm sanctuary. In addition, Johnson Brunetti sponsored a one-year adoption of Piper, a rescue lamb at the Riley Farm in Canterbury, in Caitlin’s name.
Make-A-Wish® Connecticut creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. They seek to bring every eligible child’s wish to life because a wish is an integral part of a child’s treatment journey. Research shows children who have wishes granted can build the physical and emotional strength they need to fight a critical illness. Together, generous donors, supporters, staff, and volunteers across the state currently grant nearly 225 wishes a year. Since 1986, Make-A-Wish Connecticut has granted more than 3,400 wishes to local children. For more information about Make-A-Wish Connecticut, visit ct.wish.org.
Johnson Brunetti is a retirement planning firm serving the Connecticut and Massachusetts area. Johnson Brunetti provides the financial guidance and service that retirees and those planning for retirement need as they strive to achieve financial independence. Johnson Brunetti’s best clients are individuals that appreciate personalized service and support and value the company’s financial investment strategies which are based on: Preservation of Principal, Reasonable Rate of Return, and Keeping Things Simple. To learn more about Johnson Brunetti, its services and what we can do for you, give us a call at 800-208-7233 or visit us at www.JohnsonBrunetti.com.