Written by Wheeling Park High School’s Lucrezia Santini. Lucrezia is a contributing writer to The Park Press.
The Capitol Theatre is hosting the 7th annual A Special Wish Lip Sync Battle, presented by The Health Plan, on October 18, 2025—a fun night of lip syncing, laughter, and community for a good cause. All proceeds support the A Special Wish Ohio Valley Chapter and help children and adults in the Ohio Valley affected by life-threatening illnesses.
This year’s contestants bring talent and personality from across the community:
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Brian Campbell, Sales Manager at WKKX Pine Room and Co-Owner of LaBowls
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Gretchen Kessler, Marketing and Communication Specialist at WVU Medicine
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Justin Malarkey, Production Manager at WesBanco Arena and the Capitol Theatre
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Susan Regrut, West Virginia Attorney
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Ron Scott Jr., Cultural Diversity and Community Outreach Director at YWCA Wheeling
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Shawna Shepherd, Wheeling Park High School Cheer Coach and Developmental Therapist at Easterseals
These six contestants will take the stage for a night of unforgettable performances in the ultimate battle for the best act.
The Organization Behind It All
A Special Wish Foundation is an Ohio-based wish-granting organization. The Ohio Valley chapter serves the entire region, including Brooke, Hancock, Ohio, and Marshall counties. The foundation is entirely local and does not receive federal or state funding.
“[The wishes are] up to the child,” said Annamarie O’Grady, executive director of A Special Wish Foundation, Inc. “They can pick their special place. And given that, I will say Disney World, Universal Studios—that wish is the most requested… They can pick a special gift. Just for example, we’ve done above-ground pools, fenced-in yards with playsets. One little boy from Moundsville—we brought in his occupational therapist and built a sensory room in his home.”
The Lip Sync Battle
Every year, six contestants choose two songs and give an all-out performance—often compared to a concert. The three contestants who score the highest in the first round will move on to the second, where they perform their second song. The three that don’t make it to the final round will compete in the People’s Choice Round.
“We came up with that for a couple of reasons,” said O’Grady. “First of all, we want the contestants to be able to perform both of their songs, because they work so hard… and then with the People’s Choice, it’s another nice and fun way to raise funds… Once the three are finished performing, they will go on stage with a big bucket, and the audience has a chance to vote. It’s a nice way to raise extra funds for the organization. But the audience—this is where they can really get involved, because they get to step up on the stage of that Capitol.”
For the second round, the score is reset to zero, and the contestants who advanced will perform their final song. In the end, all the scores are added up, and a winner is chosen.
“At the end, the People’s Choice Award winner—everybody gets a trophy,” said O’Grady. “That’s because they put so much into it. And again, the real winners are the children.”
Olivia Litman, Marketing Director of the Wheeling Convention & Visitors Bureau and one of the event’s hosts, shared her enthusiasm for the night:
“The Lip Sync Battle has been one of my favorite events since it began in 2018. I was a contestant in 2019 and have been involved since by either judging or now hosting the event. The contestants put so much time and consideration into their performances—it is so fun to watch them perform. However, the winner is the organization. A Special Wish Ohio Valley are making dreams come true! Everyone should help them win and come to the Lip Sync Battle!”
The Lip Sync Battle is the foundation’s largest fundraiser. It helps grant wishes for local children and gives them and their families something to look forward to.
“Our sole mission is to grant wishes and give them a little bit of hope, a little bit of joy, and hopefully be a light in their life,” said O’Grady. “And what’s so nice is the fact that everything is local. When you donate to us, you can see where your money is going. You may know the child—it could be your neighbor, your children’s classmate, or someone you’ve seen on the local news. We get to know them very well. So everybody that goes to our events is participating in helping this organization—by buying a ticket, by buying a glow wand to support your favorite contestant—just by being at the event, you’re supporting A Special Wish.”
Tickets are available now at etix.com/ticket/p/30400018/lip-sync-challenge-2025-wheeling-the-capitol-theatre.
Contestant Spotlight: Shawna Shepherd
Shawna Shepherd is the Wheeling Park cheer coach and a child development specialist at Easter Seals.
“I’m excited for the experience and to help raise money for such a wonderful organization,” said Shepherd. “I’m usually the one on the side, coaching my teams through routines, so this has been a definite change—me being the performer and being ‘coached.’”
She and some of the Wheeling Park cheerleaders will be performing at the event. Lilly Smith, one of the backup dancers, shared her excitement: “I’m excited for the performance, dressing up, and just the whole experience.”
Shepherd says it means a lot to know what she’s giving back to. “As someone who works with children who may be delayed or behind on their developmental milestones due to a variety of reasons, I feel a deep connection to this organization that also helps children and their families,” she said.
For Wheeling Park students, it’s extra special to see a familiar face on stage. Shepherd’s enthusiasm and dedication—both in the classroom and on the sidelines—make her an inspiring example of how community involvement and school spirit go hand in hand.
Other Ways to Support
A Special Wish Foundation hosts four signature fundraisers every year: a themed spring event, a golf scramble, Bling & Brew, and the Lip Sync Challenge.
“[The reason for the events is] that’s how we fund things,” said O’Grady. “We do not receive federal funding, state funding, or funding from other foundations, so everything that we do is how we bring in funds. Second, when we do any event, it’s to raise awareness of the foundation. We want the Ohio Valley folks to know that we are here, that we can do these wishes if they know someone who needs a wish.”
If you know a child that you would like to refer for a wish, please contact Annamarie O’Grady at:
Office: (740) 449-2063
Email: aogrady@spwishov.com
