BLOOMINGTON - Nine local celebrities are vying to use their vocal talents to help children with life-threatening medical conditions.

The first Celebrity Sing for Wishes will be 6 to 10 p.m. July 12 at Gill Street Sports Bar & Restaurant, 3002 Gill St., Bloomington. Money raised will go to Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois to grant wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses, said Dr. Chad Tattini, fundraising chairman for the McLean Area Regional Council of Make-A-Wish.

"We want a fun, exciting and affordable event, while raising money for a worthwhile cause," said Tattini, a local cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgeon.

Area residents may go to www.singforwishes.com to vote for their favorite celebrity by making a donation to Make-A-Wish. Voting began last week, Tattini said.

Voting also will be allowed at the event until 8 p.m. July 12. At 8 p.m., the top three vote-getters will be asked to sing with Gerry and the G-men, the band performing throughout the evening, Tattini said. The other celebrities may sing if they wish.

The event is open to anyone, not just people who have voted online.

"For a $2 cover charge, you can watch some of your community leaders let their hair down," Tattini said.

The nine celebrities are Willie Brown, executive vice president of State Farm Insurance Cos.; WJBC personality Beth Whisman; Illinois State University football coach Denver Johnson; WEEK-News 25 anchor Jenny Li; Children's Discovery Museum Executive Director Shari Buckellew; A. Renee owner Amy Calhoun; Illinois Wesleyan University Athletic Director Dennie Bridges; State Rep. Dan Brady, R-Bloomington; and pro golf player Jim Miller. WBNQ personality Susan Saunders will emcee the event.

In addition to raising money from people voting and those attending the event, money has been donated by corporate sponsor Verizon, Gill Street Sports Bar & Restaurant is donating a portion of money from food sales, and the band is performing for free, Tattini said.

"We want to raise at least $5,000, which is how much it costs to grant a wish to one kid," Tattini said.

Janet Bantz Glavin, Make-A-Wish of Illinois community relations manager, said wish grants often help the children to be more confident and outgoing.

"There's a power in that wish," she said.

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Make-A-Wish

- Make-A-Wish grants wishes to children - ages 2{ to 18 - with life-threatening medical conditions.

- Referrals are made by physicians or other health care professionals, social workers, parents or guardians.

- Wishes are limited only by the child's imagination. Among wishes granted are for a trip, to meet a celebrity or for a shopping spree.

- This year, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois will grant about 720 wishes, with about 22 of them in The Panta-graph area.

- For information on how to refer a child to Make-A-Wish, call (800) 978-9474. To get involved in Make-A-Wish activities in the area, call (309) 637-1659 or go to www.wishes.org.

SOURCES: Janet Bantz Glavin, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois