Orange Beach, Ala. — (GSN) — Make-A-Wish Alabama creates life-changing wishes for children battling critical illnesses, serving as an integral part of their treatment journey. By granting these heartfelt wishes, the organization helps children build the physical and emotional strength they need to fight their illnesses and bring renewed hope and joy to their families.

Recently, The Wharf’s annual Kids Win Fishing Tournament raised $30,000 for Make-A-Wish Alabama, marking a fundraising record for the event. Young anglers and their families gathered for fishing, activities, and awards. The tournament also helped grant a local Make-A-Wish child's wish.

The sixth annual tournament was held Saturday, September 26, at The Wharf in Orange Beach. The Wharf announced the results in a September 29, 2026, news release. Rouses Markets presented the tournament, which featured weigh-ins and activities in the Orange Beach entertainment district.

A total of 125 young anglers and their families participated. Organizers said the tournament is designed to recognize every participant as a winner. The event has become a family tradition and has increased support for children served by Make-A-Wish Alabama.

This year’s $30,000 contribution was donated to Make-A-Wish Alabama. Participants and families also saw the impact of their support at the event. The organization fulfilled the wish of a local child named Bri.

“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make this year’s Kids Win Fishing Tournament a success,” said Lindsey Pearce, Special Events + Community Partnerships at The Wharf.

“Seeing our participants come together to support Make-A-Wish and then watching Bri’s wish come true was a special reminder of what this event is all about. We are proud to be part of a community that continues to show up for these kids year after year.”

The Wharf said participants and sponsors made the record donation possible. Rouses Markets served as the presenting sponsor. Gold Sponsors were Performance Contractors, CCA Alabama, and Sawgrass Consulting.

Silver Sponsors were Saunders Yachtworks, Modern Signs, SpringHill Suites by Marriott, Pepsi, Baldwin Health, HUB International, Penguin Heating & Air Conditioning, LLC, TF Warren Group, Cox Pools, and CMC Gas.

Bronze Sponsors included Stirling Properties, Yates Anderson, Galati Yacht Sales, Adams Stewart Architects, Bryant Bank, Fishing Chaos, and Baldwin EMC. The Wharf also recognized prize sponsors who provided awards for winners in tournament categories.

Prize sponsors included Outer Limits, Breakout Games Escape Room, Waterville USA, The Sunny Lady Dolphin Cruise, The Wharf Store, BOTE, The Wharf Amphitheater, Tee Off at The Wharf, Maho Shades, AMC Theatres, and The Factory.

Bucket sponsors included Shades, The Wharf Storage, Cox Pools, CCA Alabama, Little Sunshine by the Sea, Crew, Kilwins, and CMC Gas. The Wharf said it plans to continue the tournament in 2027, bringing local families together and supporting Make-A-Wish Alabama.