With night time views of Portland Bay, delicious food and entertainment, the black tie event is the Portland branch of the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s main fund-raiser.

With help from the foundation last year, south-west children with life-threatening illnesses were able to enjoy trips to Disneyland and Gold Coast theme parks and swimming with dolphins, with Cobden’s Grace Howard next in line to make a wish.

Portland branch president Gail Jaensch said a magical night was planned at the foreshore, with guests to include Wilbur Wilde and the Music Men, boxer Sam Soliman and six Collingwood football players.

“No matter what we raise, it’s money we never had so it’s great to put towards the kids and to know it’s going to the south-west,” she said.

“This is our biggest fund-raiser for the year so we can deliver wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions.

“It’s an event supported greatly by the public.”

She said the branch covered the south-west area from Portland right through to Winchelsea, with 28 volunteers making all the magic happen.

“We’re all volunteers, and that’s what it’s all about. It’s not just about all the funds — it’s the goods and time they’ve given up. We’ve been lucky enough to have people come on board from Colac who have been extremely generous.”

To purchase tickets or for more information call 0418 319 370. Tickets cost $140 and include dinner, wine, beer and soft drink.

Those unable to make it to the event can visit www.makeawish.org.au to donate to the Portland branch.

j.pech@standard.fairfax .com.au