Austin Burnette is an aspiring music writer and rapper. Music elevates his world and gives him time away from the stresses of having hemophilia A, a hereditary bleeding disorder. Kids Wish Network, a children’s charity that grants wishes for kids with life-threatening illnesses, made his dream come true being an Ultimate VIP at the 2019 American Music Awards. 

Before his wish trip, Austin felt special getting personalized attention at Dillard’s Pier Park. They styled a look reflecting his personality and provided him with a custom-tailored suit to get him red carpet ready. And then it was time. Hollywood was calling, and Kids Wish Network flew Austin and his grandma to Los Angeles for his star-studded wish. On his big day, they were chauffeured in style by Top Shelf Concierge Services to the Microsoft Theater for the 47th Annual American Music Awards. “I felt like a celebrity,” said Austin. “Everyone was looking at us like who are they?” 

Austin and his grandma received the Ultimate VIP tickets to the AMAs courtesy of Dick Clark Productions, giving them access to walking the same red carpet as the celebrities, the Party on the Carpet during celebrity arrivals, and orchestra seating for up-close views of the music industry’s top artists of 2019. “I really liked the special effects and seeing how the show was put together that you don’t get to see on TV,” said Austin. Their tickets also included going to the show’s after-party thrown for the celebrity attendees. Austin met actor Jharrel Jerome and a YouTube producer who further inspired his career aspirations. ”It was so nice seeing Austin smile and experiencing something that we would never be able to do ourselves,” said his grandma Cheryl. “It was also wonderful spending quality time together, we share a special bond.”

During Austin’s wish, the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City provided beautiful accommodations with sweeping views of Hollywood’s glamorous landscape. Top Shelf Concierge Services also had a surprise when it was time to travel back home. They chauffeured Austin and his grandma to the airport in a luxurious Sprinter Van frequently used by his favorite rapper Lil Wayne.

Kids Wish Network Executive Director Tam Lai said, “I’m so happy to provide Austin with this once-in-a-lifetime experience with his grandma.”

Kids Wish Network would like to thank the following sponsors for making Austin’s dreams become a reality:

• Dick Clark Productions

• Top Shelf Concierge Services

• Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City

• Dillard’s Pier Park

  Kids Wish Network is a national charitable organization dedicated to infusing hope, creating happy memories, and improving the quality of life for children with life-threatening conditions and struggling with life-altering situations. KWN provides for trip expenses, meals, accommodations, and additional spending monies to all wish families whenever traveling as applicable. Visit www.kidswishnetwork.org to learn about our different programs, and refer a child now.