Yacht Blast, After Blast: Make waves for Make-A-Wish Wisconsin

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Yacht Blast and After Blast Make Waves for Make-A-Wish Wisconsin

Yacht rides for kids and an evening fundraiser celebrate the foundation’s wish granting efforts

MILWAUKEE (July 30, 2014) – Impressive boats glide effortlessly through the pristine water of Lake Michigan, the breeze interrupted only by the sound of children’s laughter. Later that evening, revelers on shore are entertained while contributing to a worthwhile cause.

These sights and more will greet visitors to one of the largest fundraisers for the Make-A-Wish Foundation in southeast Wisconsin – kicking off at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 16 at the Milwaukee Yacht Club, 1700 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive.

Now in its sixth year, Yacht Blast and the After Blast Party make a significant difference in the lives of Make-A-Wish children, having raised $418,000 to date for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and granting more than 70 wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses.

Last year, $162,000 was raised for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Wisconsin. This year, the goal is even higher.

“Since its beginning, Yacht Blast has had a tremendous impact on the children and their families,” said Glenn Kennedy, founder of the event. “Not only do we give them the opportunity to spend a fun day on a yacht, but we are able to give Make-A-Wish the chance to grant their wishes through proceeds from our evening event, After Blast.”

Boat rides for Wish children and their families start the day off. With the support of local yacht owners, corporate sponsors and volunteers, Wish children and their families have the opportunity to experience 90-minute boat rides on Lake Michigan. This year, more than 30 boat owners will donate their time and the use of their yachts in the Milwaukee harbor.

Additionally, visitors to the McKinley Marina County Park will be able to see over one hundred impressive automobiles at Classics for Kids from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

The After Blast event, located at the Milwaukee Yacht Club, is open to the public from 4 to 11 p.m. All proceeds from a silent and voice auction – featuring items such as a signed Rolling Stones guitar – will go toward Make-A-Wish Wisconsin. At the same time, live entertainment from local acts featuring Live at Nine and Jeff Walski, with special guests including American Idol star and Milwaukee native Naima Adedapo and Kris Crow will thrill the crowd.

General Admission tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Dinner packages are $50.

For more information on the event, to purchase tickets or to make a donation, visit www.yachtblastforkids.com.

About Make-A-Wish Foundation of Wisconsin

Since Make-A-Wish Foundation ® was founded in 1984, more than 5,000 children have seen their dreams come true. Last year alone, the Foundation granted a record breaking 340 wishes, and currently here are more than 250 wishes in the process of being granted. As wishes grow in numbers, the Foundation continues to be fiscally responsible with the 80.4 cents of every dollar going directly to the children.

About Yacht Blast

Yacht Blast for Kids was founded by Glenn Kennedy of InPro Corporation in 2009. Since their start in 2009, Yacht Blast has grown. The event was able to raise $162,000 in 2013 for donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Wisconsin. Since 2009, Yacht Blast for Kids has donated $418,000 with an amazing ratio of eighty-eight cents of every dollar going to Make-A-Wish Wisconsin.