Mary Beth Sewald, president and CEO of the Vegas Chamber, and Makenna L. have been selected as SOARée’s 2024 honoree and child ambassador
As Miracle Flights gears up to host their second annual SOARée, a fundraising event supporting their mission of aiding children who need to travel to receive life-changing medical care, President and CEO of the Vegas Chamber Mary Beth Sewald and Makenna L., a local nine-year-oldMiracle Flights recipient will be recognized as the honoree and child ambassador respectively.
Mary Beth Sewald began her tenure as President and CEO of the Vegas Chamber on December 11, 2017. As the chief executive of the largest and broadest-based business association in Nevada, she sets the vision for the Metro Chamber and leads its strategy of supporting local businesses and pursuing initiatives to boost job growth, a healthy economy, and a vibrant community.
“Mary Beth has a never-ending commitment to help Miracle Flights spread the word about our mission and help us fly more children who need to receive life changing medical care.” said Mark E. Brown, CEO of Miracle Flights.
In addition to being Nevada’s top business advocate, Sewald is an aviation enthusiast and became a private pilot in 2012. One of the reasons she wanted to become a pilot, was so that she could help some family friends transport a sick child to receive out-of-state medical care.
“It is a privilege to be recognized as this year’s SOARée honoree,” said Sewald. “Miracle Flights plays a critical role for families in Nevada and across the country by ensuring that all children have equal access to medical care. They are near to my heart and I’m proud to support the life-changing work they do.”
Makenna L., a Las Vegas nine-year-old, and her family have received four Miracle Flights beginning in 2023 to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. Makenna is receiving treatment for neuroblastoma, one of the most common forms of pediatric tumors. Approximately 650 children in the United States are diagnosed with neuroblastoma each year, and most children are diagnosed before age five.
“A family should never have to choose between paying their bills and seeking necessary medical treatment. Because of Miracle Flights, we didn’t have to choose,” said Samantha, mother of Makenna. “When we first started traveling from Las Vegas to New York City for Makenna’s treatment, we knew that the cost of flying across the country would be a challenge. Thankfully, we were put in touch with Miracle Flights. They have been able to step in and help us get Makenna to and from the life-saving treatment that she needs. We will be forever grateful for the kindness and compassion that Miracle Flights has shown our family!”
In 2023, Miracle Flights recognized Southwest Airlines with the inaugural SOARée Navigator Award. Since 2007, Southwest Airlines has been a trusted flight partner of Miracle Flights through their Medical Transportation Grant Program.
The second annual SOARée will be held on Friday, April 12 at Thrive Aviation (183 E Reno Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89119) from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. Tickets for SOARée are available for $350 per person and can be purchased online here. All proceeds from SOARée directly support Miracle Flights.
Carrie Roper, Las Vegas Review-Journal Director of Digital Broadcast will serve as the Master of Ceremonies and Christian Kolberg will serve as Celebrity Auctioneer. The unique fundraiser will feature entertainment, live and silent auctions, and the highly anticipated Private Jet Fly Away Raffle package valued at $25,000.
Since 1985, the Las Vegas-based Miracle Flights has provided more than 150,000 free flights to those in need of life-changing medical care not available in their local communities.
About Miracle Flights:
Miracle Flights is a Las Vegas based non-profit that provides free commercial airfare to sick children, adults, and their families who need life-changing medical care not found locally. Since 1985, Miracle Flights has coordinated over 150,000 flights for families in crisis.
