The Christmas Wish office opened for the 48th season with a bang Monday morning, as the organization received a record donation of $33,943.66 from the Daviess County Fire Department. The annual Christmas Wish fundraiser at Applebee’s returns Saturday, and the event includes a chance to meet Santa and the Grinch, win prizes including a vacation getaway, and more.
Organizers said Christmas Wish operates on a minimal budget of $500-$800 annually, with volunteers and community donations providing essential support to accomplish its mission of ensuring every child receives a visit from Santa at Christmas.
For the past 11 years, DCFD has held a golf scramble to raise money for Christmas Wish. Their previous record was set last year when they raised just more than $25,600.
Members of the fire department unveiled this year’s donation amount during a ceremony Monday morning, when the Christmas Wish office opened to the public. The Christmas Wish office is located in the former Shoe Stop site at Towne Square North, between Buffalo Wild Wings and Big Lots.
DCFD officials said they couldn’t raise such large amounts without community support and sponsorships. The scramble was held on September 6 at Ben Hawes Golf Course, with title sponsor Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport and Contour Airlines. Sponsors also included Wendell Foster, Inc. and Disaster Team, Inc.
“We could not help this many families this much in the community without this golf scramble, without the dedication of everybody that you see here supporting Christmas Wish and the mission of making sure that every child in the tristate receives a visit from Santa Claus,” said WBKR personality Barb Birgy, who has served as the executive director of Christmas Wish for the last 9 years. “This just shows what a beautiful, giving community we have, and of course all the hard work you guys put in here.”
After a big start to the week, Birgy is also hoping for a strong finish, as the annual Christmas Wish fundraiser returns to Applebee’s in Owensboro on Saturday.
The event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and features appearances by Santa Claus (11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.) and the Grinch (noon to 2 p.m.), live music, a bake sale, and silent auctions. Highlights of the auction include a 3-day Smoky Mountain cabin getaway, a $500 Walmart gift card, popular bourbon brands, restaurant gift cards, and themed gift baskets.
The fundraiser is open to the public, and donations are encouraged. For more information, visit Applebee’s in Owensboro on Saturday or contact the event team.
