October 01, 2026 // Franchising.com // JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Drama Kids franchise owner Bridget Bateman, whose own son received a life-changing wish from Make-A-Wish at age 10, recently continued her four-year commitment to supporting Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida's annual Wishmakers Ball as a Platinum Sponsor, helping contribute to an event that raised $1,227,147, enough to grant 153 wishes for local children facing critical illnesses.
The Wishmakers Ball is the organization's signature fundraising event, bringing together community leaders, businesses, supporters, and wish families for an evening dedicated to celebrating the power of a wish. Funds raised through sponsorships, donations, auctions, and other fundraising initiatives help Make-A-Wish continue its mission of creating life-changing experiences for children and their families.
At Drama Kids, helping children build confidence, find their voice, and experience joy is central to the brand's mission, making support of the event a natural fit.
"What Bridget has done for the past four years reflects so much of what we want Drama Kids to represent," said Faith Gavelek, President of Drama Kids International. "She knows firsthand what a wish can mean to a child and an entire family, and she's turned that experience into a commitment to creating that same kind of hope for other families. I was honored to join Bridget at her table at this year's Wishmakers Ball and see that impact firsthand. We're incredibly proud of her."
Bateman has served as a sponsor of the Wishmakers Ball for the past four years and was inspired to become involved after her own family experienced the impact of a wish firsthand.
"Supporting the Make-A-Wish Wishmakers Ball is incredibly meaningful to me, both personally and as the owner of Drama Kids of South Duval & St. Johns County," said Bateman. "My first encounter with Make-A-Wish was when my son was granted a wish at age 10. It was truly life-changing for our entire family. Becoming a sponsor felt like a natural extension of what I believe in. I'm proud to support an organization that brings hope, joy, and unforgettable experiences to children and families facing unimaginable challenges."
This year's Wishmakers Ball raised $1,227,147, enough to help grant 153 wishes for children in the Jacksonville community. As a Platinum Sponsor, Bateman joined the businesses, donors, volunteers and community supporters whose contributions made that impact possible.
"This truly is the most magical night," Bateman added. "Seeing the community come together to help children and families experience moments of joy and hope is incredibly powerful. I look forward to continuing to support this mission for years to come."
Founded in 1985 and franchising since 1989, Drama Kids offers fun, developmental drama programs, theater classes for kids, and after-school acting lessons across the United States. Its classes help children and young adults build soft skills including confidence, creative thinking, self-esteem, public speaking, leadership, and teamwork. Drama Kids operates internationally as part of Helen O'Grady Drama Academy, the world's largest developmental drama organization, serving more than 100,000 students in weekly classes worldwide.
SOURCE Drama Kids
Drama Kids offers the best after school acting classes offering teen acting classes, kids drama programs, and drama programs for toddlers nationwide.