John Lynch, auctioneer for the evening, and 6-year-old Airiana Palmer, of North Cape May, had open-heart surgery and was sent on a Disney Cruise through the Make A Wish Foundation.

RIO GRANDE –– The Cape May County Make A Wish Foundation’s Fifth annual fund raising event May 1 was a success thanks, in part, to hundreds of county residents, representatives and politicians who gathered at Menz Restaurant here to support making local children’s wishes come true.

Coordinator Rick Jones set the goal at $100,000; enough, he said, to grant one wish for every child in the county.

“Every dime that comes in tonight goes to benefit the kids,” he said. Even the bartenders split their tips to go into a locked fund for county children.

Sen. Jeff Van Drew, Assemblymen Matthew Milam and Nelson Albano (all D-1st) went to show their support and gave brief speeches to a jovial crowd.

“Open your hearts and open your pockets; tonight is about having fun and showing we care,” Van Drew said. “The First District legislative team is working to help the kids of Cape May County.”

Albano addressed the crowd and said, “You are the ones who make this work.”

“This good cause makes a difference and everyone in this room has made a wish come true,” Milam said.

Cape May County Freeholder Ralph Bakley Sr., Lower Township Mayor Walt Craig and Joseph Harris, vice-commander of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 44, Del Haven also went to support the cause.

“Nothing is more wonderful than getting the community together,” Craig said. “I hope as you have a good time you can also reflect on the issues in these kids lives.”

Six-year-old Airiana Palmer of North Cape May, had open-heart surgery, so the Make A Wish Foundation sent her on a Disney Cruise. “My favorite part was meeting Mickey,” she said.

The event featured a live and silent auction, an open buffet, 50/50 raffle, music, and members of the United States Army presented the colors as a volunteer sang the National Anthem.

Afterwards, Jones said the event raised about $6,000 from the silent auction, roughly $12,000 from the live auction, and $2,300 from the 50/50 raffle making the total for the night already at $20,000, not yet including ticket sales.

Jones said several sponsors made generous donations including the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, which donated $10,000 and Jersey Cape Insurance and Garden State Dredging each donated $5,000.

Fundraising continues with a 200-person golf outing at the Cape May Par 3 & Driving Range May 2, and another in June. Jones said the golf outing collected $20,000 last year.

“You would have to look long and hard to find an event that does more for the children of Cape May County,” Jones said.

He gives special thanks to volunteer Cindy Dietrich, of Dennisville, who has worked countless hours organizing the events.

“Without her the events wouldn’t be as successful,” he said. “She pulls it all together.”