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LOCAL CELEBRITIES SERVE UP GOOD FOOD FOR A GOOD CAUSE

(Cleveland, Ohio) - The 14th annual Celebrity Waiter gala is planned for Tuesday, October 14 at Windows on the River in downtown Cleveland featuring live and silent auctions, cocktails and a gourmet dinner. During the fun-filled evening, guests will have the opportunity to mingle with local celebrities and professional athletes, and raise funds to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Greater Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana, Northeast Ohio Region.

“We expect approximately 250 people at the gala and hope to raise $120,000,” remarked Executive Director Kelly Kleinschmidt. “That will enable us to grant the wishes of 20 local children with life-threatening medical conditions.”

The dinner will honor Kent W. Clapp, president, chairman and CEO of Medical Mutual of Ohio for his commitment to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. “Under Kent’s leadership, Medical Mutual employees have raised more than $140,000 and sponsored more than two dozen children’s wishes over the past eight years,” remarked Kleinschmidt. “Medical Mutual is also our statewide title sponsor of Walk For Wishes fundraisers held annually in Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati. All of the Make-A-Wish regional offices applaud Kent’s generosity, especially during these uncertain economic times.”

“The families of these children are facing adversity head-on,” remarked Clapp. “Make-A-Wish gives these families something wonderful to dream about while they are dealing with medical treatments, hospital stays and an uncertain future.”

While Clapp’s commitment to Make-A-Wish is close to his heart, he credits Medical Mutual’s employees for their involvement. “Our employees have demonstrated a major financial and personal commitment to Make-A-Wish over the years. We invite wish families to our downtown offices to celebrate wishes and encourage our employees to share in the joy of the experience,” said Clapp. “These families inspire us to be better advocates for our customers and when it comes down to it, it’s all about people.”

About the Make-A-Wish Foundation®

The Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Greater Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana is celebrating 25 years of inspiring lives, one wish at a time. Since the first wish was granted in 1984, this chapter has granted more than 6,300 magical wishes. This milestone year, the chapter will work to fulfill the wishes of a record-breaking 800 local children. There are so many ways that you can help create joyful moments for local wish children. Find out how at www.makeawishohio.org.