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Make-A-Wish Foundation To Hold Annual Fundraiser

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro New York and Western New York holds its annual fundraiser this week.

The Wine and Wishes event helps bring in the funds necessary to provide sick children their wishes.

Former 'wish child' and cancer survivor Remy Bhatia is now a Wish Ambassador with the organization.

"This was such a difficult experience for me and my family and Make-A-Wish actually approached me at the end of my treatment - I had developed an interest in fashion and beauty and fragrance," Bhatia told CBS 2's Cindy Hsu. "I asked that Make-A-Wish grant me a shopping spree."

Bhatia said her experience of losing her hair piqued her interest in all things fashion and beauty, which she has since turned into a career. She said her Make-A-Wish experience encouraged her to help out with the organization so other sick kids can have their wishes come true.

"I started volunteering pretty much after my recovery and now it's been 13 years," Bhatia said of her new role as a Wish Ambassador. "My experience from Make-A-Wish was so pivotal and life-changing and it really still affects me to this day."

Pat Clemency, the president and CEO of the local Make-A-Wish chapter, said the Wine and Wishes fundraiser has brought in nearly $5 million over the past 10 years.

"We have some incredible milestones this year. This is our 30th anniversary, pretty soon we'll celebrate our 10,000th wish," Clemency told CBS 2's Hsu. "We can't fail a single child."

The 10th annual Wine and Wishes fundraiser is Thursday, March 14 at Chelsea Piers. For more on the fundraiser, click here.

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