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For the past seventeen years, Andy Foster has been brightening lives by doing what he loves most: bringing people together for a great party. Foster Fest isn’t just about celebrating—it’s about spreading joy while supporting an incredible cause, Make-A-Wish®.
As a child, Andy faced the challenges of epilepsy, and a wish granted by Make-A-Wish® Illinois—a left-handed golf set—made a lasting impact on his life. Inspired by that kindness, Andy is now dedicated to ensuring other kids experience the same hope and happiness. Every year, all Foster Fest proceeds go directly to Make-A-Wish®. Andy’s heart shines through Foster Fest. He hopes the event brings smiles to everyone—both to the kids whose wishes come true and to the friends and families who gather to celebrate. Andy’s favorite reminder captures the spirit of Foster Fest: |
"If you smile more than you frown, you succeed in life."
Where it started
JUSTICE, ILLINOIS, August 3, 2017-- As a child, Andy Foster, 36, was diagnosed with epilepsy. Shortly after his diagnosis, Foster was connected with Make-A-Wish Illinois, whom granted Foster’s wish for a left-handed golf club set. While Foster’s case is not unusual for the thousands of kids Make-A-Wish Illinois helps, his unique initiative to support the organization is.
Over the past nine years, Foster has coordinated and organized his namesake party—Foster Fest—a casual, family friendly, fundraiser barbeque whose proceeds go to Make-A-Wish Illinois. Of last year’s 300+ attendees, Foster Fest raised $10,000 for Make-A-Wish Illinois, a number Foster and others hope to top this year.
For Foster, the best part of the event is not only that it helps children with life-threatening medical conditions, but everyone has a good time as well. As he explains, “The kids are smiling, the guys playing the music are smiling, and you’re walking through the tables and everyone is smiling. And I always say that if you smile more than your frown, you succeed in life.”
Foster emphasizes how everyone in the community contributes their part to help make Foster Fest happen. Hosted at Chet’s Melody Lounge in Justice, IL, Foster Fest draws upon local businesses and members of the surrounding community to pool resources needed to host the event. Locals donate time, raffle items, food, marketing efforts, and other items. Last year’s Foster Fest had over 50 volunteers contributing their part to run the event. Even the bands offer their performances for free.
“As a grassroots organization, community members are an integral part of making sure that we can reach every eligible child with a wish,” said Stephanie Springs, Chief Executive Officer with Make-A-Wish Illinois. “The generous people who organize and attend events on behalf of Make-A-Wish can feel really good about bringing hope, strength and joy to seriously ill Illinois children.”
Foster Fest is different from the standard formal fundraiser dinner. Participants are casually dressed and sitting at picnic tables outdoors. They can enjoy the live music, the pig roast barbeque, children’s activities, the dance floor, the raffle items, key note speeches and a variety of other activities. It is a unique event combining a fun, casual celebration with helping kids in need. This year’s event is expected to be the largest one yet.
Over the past nine years, Foster has coordinated and organized his namesake party—Foster Fest—a casual, family friendly, fundraiser barbeque whose proceeds go to Make-A-Wish Illinois. Of last year’s 300+ attendees, Foster Fest raised $10,000 for Make-A-Wish Illinois, a number Foster and others hope to top this year.
For Foster, the best part of the event is not only that it helps children with life-threatening medical conditions, but everyone has a good time as well. As he explains, “The kids are smiling, the guys playing the music are smiling, and you’re walking through the tables and everyone is smiling. And I always say that if you smile more than your frown, you succeed in life.”
Foster emphasizes how everyone in the community contributes their part to help make Foster Fest happen. Hosted at Chet’s Melody Lounge in Justice, IL, Foster Fest draws upon local businesses and members of the surrounding community to pool resources needed to host the event. Locals donate time, raffle items, food, marketing efforts, and other items. Last year’s Foster Fest had over 50 volunteers contributing their part to run the event. Even the bands offer their performances for free.
“As a grassroots organization, community members are an integral part of making sure that we can reach every eligible child with a wish,” said Stephanie Springs, Chief Executive Officer with Make-A-Wish Illinois. “The generous people who organize and attend events on behalf of Make-A-Wish can feel really good about bringing hope, strength and joy to seriously ill Illinois children.”
Foster Fest is different from the standard formal fundraiser dinner. Participants are casually dressed and sitting at picnic tables outdoors. They can enjoy the live music, the pig roast barbeque, children’s activities, the dance floor, the raffle items, key note speeches and a variety of other activities. It is a unique event combining a fun, casual celebration with helping kids in need. This year’s event is expected to be the largest one yet.
ABOUT FOSter Fest
Foster Fest started in 2007, when Andy Foster wanted to help his cousin raise money to remove a dangerous tree from a property. As Foster tells it, “I decided that the best way to raise the money would be to do what I do best: throw a great party.” He says that not many expected (or trusted) the 25-year-old Foster to host a successful fundraising event, but it was a huge success. Afterward, Foster realized that he wanted to host another Foster Fest, this time giving the proceeds to a charitable cause. As a child Foster suffered with epilepsy, and was granted a wish by Make-A-Wish Illinois, so as a thanks, and in the spirit of ‘paying it forward’, Foster decided all future event proceeds would benefit Make-A-Wish Illinois.
About Make-a-Wish Illinois
Since being founded locally in 1985, Make-A-Wish Illinois has granted more than 14,000 wishes and continues its mission to share the power of a wish ® with children across the state with help from dedicated volunteers and generous community members. The organization strives to make sure that every potential wish child can experience a life-changing wish. For information visit: illinois.wish.org.
How can I help?
The best way you can help is by attending Foster Fest and supporting the Make-A-Wish® kids through the events there. Even if you are not able to attend Foster Fest, you can still support our cause. Click on the Donate button at the bottom of this page to learn more.