Wine, Women, and Shoes benefit helping wishes come true

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- This weekend's benefit Wine, Women, and Shoes is a chance for women to kick up their heels and sip some fine wines and sample culinary delights in Fresno. But it also serves as a reminder for local people like the Guerra family -- how Make-A-Wish - now in its third year of benefiting from the event can help create memories. Make-A-Wish granted their daughter Jocelynn her wish of going to Disneyland.

"It really was a break from reality. We didn't have to worry about bills, we didn't have to worry about what treatment we had to do next. Just making sure she had the best time because it was her first time too," said Aaron Guerra, Jocelynn's dad.

Two years ago the Guerras lost their daughter Jocelynn one month shy of her 7th birthday to a rare and aggressive form of brain and spinal cancer. The Guerras have since committed themselves to helping others coping with similar experiences and have started their own charity "Jocelynn's Gift of Hope".

"It was something me and my wife decided to create a non-profit, to be there for others to give them hope to let them know they're not alone. You know some people don't have anybody, if you don't have anybody it can feel alone-- feel a lot of burden," said Guerra.

Courtney Snapp is the Make-A-Wish Central California Community Director and has worked closely with the Guerras.

"My nephew Chase was diagnosed with leukemia at two and a half and went to Disneyland like Jocelynn at 5 and he's now 13 and thriving. So our purpose is to bring hope joy and purpose to these families," said Snapp.

Aaron and his wife will attend Sunday's Wine Women and Shoes for the third straight year.

"Whether your child has terminal cancer or a disability, it's a break from reality. So to be able to be out there schmooze with the women get them excited to help out with Make-A-Wish and let them have a good time it's nice," said Guerra.

Organizers are hoping to raise $150,000 this Sunday at Engelmann Cellars. Enough money to grant 65 families a wish.