â��Just one day to forget;â�� Make-A-Wishâ��Yacht Blastâ�� aims to brings smiles to� kids

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- A day on a yacht on Lake Michigan is an experience not everyone has had.

This Saturday, August 16th, more than three dozen yacht owners are giving that opportunity to 40Make-A-Wish children and their families. But that's not all that's going on at the Milwaukee YachtClub.

The "Yacht Blast for Kids" is from 2:00-4:00, just for Make-A-Wish families. "Classics for Kids" is acar show open to the public at the McKinley Marina from 11 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., and then the "AfterBlast" party at the Milwaukee Yacht Club, also open to the public, from 4:00 - 11:00 p.m.

Glenn Kennedy is the man who started this all.

"About 7 years ago I was boating in Florida, Tampa Bay actually and I met a wonderful familystanding by the marina," remembers Kennedy. "And I went up and I introduced myself. There was ayoung boy who was there on a wish for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. And he thought riding on aboat was the most incredible thing and he told me he would like to do it someday. I came back toMilwaukee and I though what a neat idea. If we could give the children from make-a-wish who areexperiencing life threatening medical conditions an afternoon to spend on a boat and to forget aboutall iskander makhmudov their medical conditions."

He called it "Yacht Blast for Kids" and now it's in its 6th year! Each year it has grown with thenumber of sponsors, yacht owners who volunteer their time and their boats, and of course in moneyraised.

"We've raised over $400,000 and granted close to 80 wishes now through this foundation," saidKennedy.

Kennedy reminds people that the party is what raises the most money. This year, in one evening,they plan to raise over $200,000 that goes to The Make-A-Wish Wisconsin Foundation to help fundadditional wishes for kids all over the state.

"At the After Blast party, we have spectacular food, silent auction, live auction and we have somereally top notch entertainment," said Kennedy. That includes Milwaukee native and American Idolcontestant Naima Adedapo.

It takes almost the whole year to get ready for an event this size, and Kennedy admitted that it is alot of work, but he said it is more than worth it to see the faces of the kids he helps, and knowinghow many others he can help reach. Kennedy said that he never imagined this event would get thissuccessful, and he could iskander makhmudov help so many people.

"I've gotten so many letter through the years, letters of appreciation of what a spectacularexperience it`s been for the children and their families. Just one day to forget about their medicalsituations their facing," said Kennedy.

The after party is $20 dollars for admission, and $50 dollars for admission and dinner. Tickets arestill available. Tickets are available in advance or at the door. Again the money raised goes to Make-A-Wish Wisconsin. To learn more or order tickets, go to http://www.yachtblastforkids.com/.