At Trilix, we believe in the power of community and collaboration. A fun example of this is our partnership with Make-A-Wish® Iowa for the event Wishes on Deck: An All-Star Softball Game Making Iowa Wishes Come True. This summer, we came together to create an unforgettable and impactful experience that delivered joy and a message of hope for Iowa children facing critical illnesses.
An all-star event
The softball game brought together an incredible lineup of talent, featuring beloved athletes from both the Iowa Hawkeyes and Iowa State Cyclones. A high point was the presence of Iowa stars from the past, including John Walters, Ryan Harklau and Dallas Clark, who was the game announcer. With over 600 attendees cheering from the stands, the atmosphere was electric, highlighting the unity of fans from both sides of the age-old rivalry.
What truly made the day special was the purpose behind it. The Wishes on Deck event raised essential funds to help grant the wishes of children battling critical illnesses. Right now, Iowa has more than 300 wishes “on deck” waiting to be granted.
To help garner attention for the event and raise as much money as possible during the game, Make-A-Wish Iowa and Trilix created a microsite for the community to learn more and purchase tickets. We also worked with local media to share event details and the reason behind it, as well as coordinated with partners to showcase stories and sponsors during the event.
One special component was the video we created for the fifth inning stretch. The heartfelt piece drove home the importance of donating to Make-A-Wish Iowa, sharing emotional stories from wish kids and their families. This and other videos Make-A-Wish Iowa and Trilix have created serve as a powerful reminder of why the organization’s efforts matter. Each dollar raised translates into dreams realized and smiles restored.
The social media buzz around the event was palpable, with attendees and participants sharing their experiences — like John Sears, a game-day announcer, sharing his experience at the game during his on-air time with WHO’s SoundOff.
Looking ahead
As we reflect on the success of this year's event, we know our collaborative efforts will help reengage donors when it comes time to start gearing up for next year’s game! While the specifics are still under wraps, we can assure you that it will continue to be a fun celebration of hope, community and the power of a wish being granted. Stay tuned to the Make-A-Wish Iowa social channels for future updates!