RISMEDIA, January 4, 2007-The Orleans office of Koenig & Strey GMAC recently hosted a Battle of the Bands fundraiser to raise money for The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois, an organization that grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions. Despite extremely cold weather, over 200 people turned out to listen to five local bands perform and, along with a very generous anonymous donor, $11,930 was raised for the organization.
As a result of the event, two wishes were adopted by Koenig & Strey GMAC Orleans office. A very special six-year-old boy, who suffers from Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy, was granted his wish to meet Spider Man at Disney World and a four-year-old girl who suffers from Biliary Artesia will have "Princess Birthday Party" at Disney World.
"What a special night," said Michael Mazzei, vice president and Orleans office Branch Executive. "The Pinks, Boho Paisley, Smokin' Train, The Idiots and The Kingfish performed before guests and our distinguished panel of judges: Ajay Gosain, Blake Smith, Skip Werner and Jodie Zeitler. After much deliberation, The Pinks were named the winners of the first annual Battle of the Bands. Emcee Stuart Jacobson presented them with $1,000 check which was donated by the Guitar Center of Highland Park. We would like to thank all of the bands for performing, Carmichael's Steak House for generously donating the venue, DJ BillyDe for his participation in the evening, and our very own Katie Carter for initiating and planning the event. We look forward to our next Make-A-Wish Battle of the Bands to be held in fall 2007," Mazzei concluded.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Since its start in 1985, more than 6,900 local children have experienced a wish come true.
For more information visit www.wishes.org
