I began working on a wish for a young lady from the Chicago area who has Spina Bifida a few months ago. Her 15th birthday was coming up and she told me her only wish was to have a Quinceanera party for her birthday. The Quinceanera is a coming-out celebration that every Hispanic girl goes through when she turns 15. She also wanted to invite 200 people to this event. I guess she has a lot of friends!!

There are many facets to these celebrations and they are in fact almost like a wedding with a ceremony and a reception. I began searching for a place to hold the celebration and someone to help me plan it. After many calls I spoke to Zam Zam Banquet hall in Chicago and Manal agreed to donate the room as well as help with decorating, balloons and a cake. I made some calls and soon a dress that would make Cinderella jealous was on its way. Events by Fairy Godmothers agreed to do the flowers. Chicago Mobile DJs agreed to provide the music and even let Alma pick out all the songs she wanted to hear. NFD Media and Giorgio Ventola Inc. agreed to take video and shoot film of the event. Quinceanera-Boutique.com let her pick out invitations and personalized them for her.

Last but not least I needed food for this grand event. Some local restaurants came to the rescue. Tanzitaro Grille and Lalo’s both donated Fajita trays and rice. Smoque BBQ donated Mac N’ Cheese for 200. Hooters of Melrose Park donated wings. Mamacitas gave chips and salsa and guacamole trays. Taco Burrito King rounded out the whole event with a Fiesta Taco Bar.

Soon Alma’s special day was here! Jill from Make Up First arrived to do her hair and makeup. Big Dog Limousine transported her and her entourage to a park to take pictures and then to the hall. She arrived at Zam Zam Banquets and 200 of her closest friends were there waiting for her. Alma was truly a princess for the night!!

Jill
Wish Coordinator