The LATISSE Wishes Challenge campaign, sponsored by Allergan, Inc., generated more than $400,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions.
Inspired by the tradition of blowing on an eyelash to make wishes come true, the LATISSE Wishes Challenge ran from June to Nov. 30 to raise funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation while also educating women about LATISSE, the first and only prescription treatment approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for inadequate or not enough lashes (eyelash hypotrichosis) that grows lashes longer, fuller and darker. Since the launch of LATISSE, the brand has contributed $1.25 million to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, helping the organization grant the wishes of approximately 189 children nationwide.
“The Make-A-Wish Foundation is able to bring joy to so many children each year because of generous contributions from our sponsors like LATISSE and thousands of people across the country,” said David Williams, Make-A-Wish Foundation of America president and chief executive officer. “In these tough economic times, it’s moving to receive such an outpouring of support.”
The Make-A-Wish Foundation will use the contribution from the LATISSE Wishes Challenge to bring hope, strength and joy to seriously ill children like Azurra and Anthony. Azurra, 10, wished to see polar bears in the wild. Anthony, 4, wished to have an electric scooter to ride. The Make-A-Wish Foundation relies on the help of generous donors to make wishes like these come true. Through this campaign, more than 4,200 women nationwide joined the LATISSE Wishes Challenge, with LATISSE doubling each individual’s donation, up to a maximum donation of $250,000.
“While LATISSE has granted many women’s wishes for longer lashes, we are proud to continue our support of the Make-A-Wish Foundation in its mission to grant children’s wishes,” said David E.I. Pyott, Allergan’s Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. “We look forward to an ongoing collaboration with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and are grateful to the many LATISSE users and other individuals who joined us in the LATISSE Wishes Challenge.”
The LATISSE Wishes Challenge brought together fashion CEO Kathy Ireland, professional ballroom dancer Chelsie Hightower and style guide Bobbie Thomas, who each led teams of LATISSE users from across the country in a friendly online competition to raise the most funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Consumers were called upon to join a celebrity-led team on www.LatisseWishesChallenge.com and make a minimum $20 donation in exchange for a LATISSE free trial certificate they could take to a doctor to see if LATISSE is right for them. Participants could also follow along online while Ireland, Hightower, Thomas and women on their teams shared their experiences growing their lashes with LATISSE.
“I’m always up for a challenge, so it was exciting to work with Kathy and Bobbie to raise money for a great cause,” said Hightower. “And once my doctor determined I was a candidate for LATISSE, it was fun showing everyone my results as my lashes grew longer, fuller and darker. Even though Team Chelsie didn’t win, I want to thank everyone who joined and gave their support!”
While Ireland’s team gathered the most support in the competition, the real winner was the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the children it serves. “I’m so proud to be affiliated with a brand that gives back,” said Ireland. “Our family has been connected to the Make-A-Wish Foundation for 16 years and we have seen first-hand how this organization changes people’s lives. I am very grateful to all those who helped raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation by joining the LATISSE Wishes Challenge.”
