Bring on the Cheer! Huge Fundraiser Planned for Western Kentucky Non-Profit
Christmas is a time of generosity! Luckily, we live in one of the most generous areas of the country.
At the annual Christmas Wish fundraiser, the goal is simple. To make sure children have the best Christmas ever. Annabel Whitledge, Gavin Howard, Joshua Orion, and Santa are the headliners for the Christmas Wish Cruise-In and Toy Drive happening at Applebee's in Owensboro.
One of the most popular Christmas fundraisers is back and bigger than ever. You'll have fun and help ensure every family has a very special Christmas this holiday season at the Christmas Wish Cruise-In and Toy Drive! There are BIG things planned.
WBKR CHRISTMAS WISH FUNDRAISER
Grab your family and friends for a day of fun! The 2023 Annual Christmas Wish Fundraiser will happen on Saturday, December 2nd, 2023. Come out to Applebee's in Owensboro from 11 AM until 4 PM. Plan on live music, great food, amazing auction items, and more! 100% of all the proceeds go directly to families in need this holiday season. We couldn't do it without our amazing sponsors. It's going to be a fun day, guaranteed!
CAR & BIKE CRUISE-IN
It's going to be a great day when classic cars, bikes, jeeps, and trucks pull into Applebee's in Owensboro. I just love the roar of the engines and hanging out with fellow classic car enthusiasts. All years makes, and models of the hottest classic cars, trucks, and bikes in town will be all around. Whether you want to show off your classic car, or you just want to check out the best vintage vehicles in town, there will be something for everyone to enjoy at the fundraiser.
LIVE MUSIC - MEET THE PERFORMERS
GAVIN HOWARD
Gavin Howard has a God-given talent! He plays a variety of music you'll recognize. He was recently chosen as a wild card to compete at Grand Ole Opry House for the Inspirational Country Music Association. His star is rising, and we're fortunate he'll take the stage to perform at noon.
Every year Gavin raises a lot of money to support St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. He has a charitable heart.
ANNABEL WHITLEDGE
Starting at 1 PM, Annabel Whitledge will perform, and you're in for a treat. I've followed Annabel for years and she's one heck of a songwriter, singer, and performer. After the success of her debut album, she's in the studio recording new music. She's won the Hollywood Music in Media Awards for songwriting with her single 'No Strings', also the title of her debut album. Annabel has performed on some of the biggest stages around the tri-state, Nashville, and beyond. She's opened for some major country artists as well. We're fortunate that she'll be at the event on Saturday.
JOSHUA ORION
Are you ready to rock? Joshua Orion is a brilliant musician and singer. He sings and plays at restaurants all over the area and with his band, Galactic Foghorn at nighttime venues. If you like Led Zepplin, Bob Seger, the Stones, and every artist in between, you'll want to sing along. Oh, and Josh is also my Stepson! Josh will start his set at 2 PM.
HUGE SILENT AND LIVE AUCTION
If you want to do some early Christmas shopping, there will be some amazing silent auction items up for grabs. We're loaded up with the good stuff, from gift cards, to gift baskets, home decor, name-brand items, and more!
CHRISTMAS WISH 2023 SEASON NEEDS
With over 1.200 Christmas Wish letters submitted, here are the most asked-for items kids are obsessing over this holiday season. Now is the best time to get the best deals in town as we move closer to Christmas. Here are the hottest holiday toys to shop for this season.
Have you always wanted to help Christmas Wish and didn't know how?
It's been a very difficult year for many of our neighbors, and that's why we want to help bring the Christmas spirit into their homes. There are so many ways you can help in the Christmas Wish mission. We have over 1,200 wish letters in the system already (11/20/2023), so we have a good idea of what toys are the hottest. If you're out shopping on Black Friday watch for sales on items children are asking for most this holiday season.
Below are the top toys that have been requested so far. Because we know what we've purchased throughout the year, I've added a note to let you know which items we are low on and need the most. Last year we handed out over 50,000 toys, hundreds of winter jackets, gloves/mittens, and hundreds of diapers to put it all in perspective.
MOST POPULAR TOYS ON KIDS' WISH LISTS THIS SEASON
ARTS & CRAFTS - (HOT)
AXE SETS/ADIDAS SETS FOR TEENS - (HOT)
BIGGER BABY DOLLS - (HOT)
BARBIES - (HOT)
BASKETBALLS
BIKES (ANY SIZE) - (HOT)
BLANKETS
BLUEY - (HOT)
BOARD GAMES - (HOT)
COCOMELON
DINOSAURS - (HOT)
EARBUDS
FOOTBALLS
FORTNITE - (HOT)
HEADPHONES & GAMING HEADPHONES
HOT WHEELS - (HOT)
LEARNING TOYS - (HOT)
LEGOS - (HOT)
LOL SURPRISE
MICKEY
MINECRAFT
MINNIE
MY LIFE DOLLS - (HOT)
NERF GUNS - (HOT)
NINTENDO GAMES
PAW PATROL - (HOT)
PJ MASK
POKEMON
PS4 GAMES
REMOTE CONTROL VEHICLES - (HOT)
ROBLOX
SCOOTERS
SENSORY TOYS
SKATEBOARDS
SPIDERMAN
SPORTS BACKPACKS
SQUISHMELLOWS
TEEN ROOM DÉCOR
TRAINS
UNICORNS
XBOX GAMES - (HOT)
CHRISTMAS WISH VOLUNTEERS ALWAYS NEEDED
Christmas Wish runs with a core group of volunteers who have supported the mission for 10 to 30 years. US Bank is a huge partner allowing employees to volunteer their time during the season. Over the years, many businesses have also jumped on board with “Giving Programs." There would be no Christmas Wish without the volunteers who devote their time.
Volunteers will be needed starting on Wednesday, November 15th this season. If individuals or businesses would like to volunteer, they can email ChrsitmasWish@wbkr.com.
We’ll once again be located at Towne Square North in Owensboro. In the former Shoe Stop location by Big Lots. Our “soft opening” will be on Monday, November 27th. Grand Opening Day will be on Monday, December 4th, 2023.
Thanks to the owners and stores at Towne Square North for their incredible generosity and commitment to supporting our mission.
HOW TO DONATE TO CHRISTMAS WISH?
Why give to Christmas Wish? The program runs from around $500 to $800 annually. Everyone volunteers their time. We get the space, signage, etc. all donated. Restaurants feed the volunteers each day during the season. Your donations go to children who need it the most!
CHRISTMAS WISH MISSION
Since 1976 Christmas Wish has been “MAKING SURE EVERY CHILD IN THE TRI-STATE GETS A VISIT FROM SANTA”. You can make a huge difference in the lives of others and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas by giving back to those in need this holiday season.
**Note- for any questions related to Christmas Wish, please inquire via email ONLY at Christmaswish@wbkr.com.
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