Ninalicia Bielejeski. MIAMI, FL – Ninalicia Bielejeski, an on-air personality at Y-100 Miami and creative director at Rock with U Entertainment, was recognized by Make-A-Wish Southern Florida with its “Shining Star” award at the nonprofit’s recent donor appreciation event at Jungle Island.  The Fort Lauderdale resident annually hosts the Bachelor & Bachelorette Dream Date Auction and helped raise $50,000 at the 2013 event, enough to grant the wishes of 10 local children who have life-threatening medical conditions.     
 
“We’re indebted to everyone who helps us bring happiness into the lives of children and families coping with difficult circumstances,” said Norman Wedderburn, Make-A-Wish Southern Florida president & CEO, about those involved with the granting of more than 500 wishes during the 2012-13 fiscal year.  "Nina’s devotion to our cause and the Dream Date Auction is a main reason why that event has taken a quantum leap forward since she has been involved.”  
 
In the four years Bielejeski has co-hosted the auction – first with Y-100 partner Michael Yo and now with husband Ross B. – the event has raised more than $180,000, which covers costs associated with the fulfillment of 36 wishes.  She has also hosted on the red carpet at the InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball and participated in “Walk for Wishes” in Broward County.
 
Celebrating its 30th year of wish-granting, Make-A-Wish Southern Florida has delivered more than 9,000 wishes to children who have life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human
experience with hope, strength, and joy.  Wish kids most often ‘wish to be’ (something), ‘wish to meet’ (someone), ‘wish to go’ (somewhere), or ‘wish to have’ (something) and the nonprofit
organization makes this happen for the child and his/her entire family at no cost to them.
 
The Southern Florida chapter grants a wish every 16 hours, at an average cost of $5,000, and is committed to making a dream come true for every medically-eligible child in its territory, which includes 13 Florida counties and the U.S. Virgin Islands.  It completes its mission without federal or state funding, raising money through corporate sponsorships, special events, foundation grants, and individual contributions.
 
For more information, to make a donation, volunteer or refer a child, call (888) 773-WISH or connect at www.sfla.wish.org and on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.