April 11-13, 2025
Livonia, Michigan
By Chef Gina of Chef Gina’s Mini Food
Photos Courtesy of Chef Gina
This past April 11-13, the Marriott in Livonia, Michigan, along with the Great Lakes Doll Club, played host to the highly anticipated 2025 Grant-A-Wish “GAW” Fund Convention. The event drew in 350 Barbie collectors from around the globe, offering a fun-filled weekend of camaraderie, creativity, and collectible fun.
A Timeless Theme
This year’s theme, Meet Me in the MI-tten, was a classic twist on Somewhere in Time. Inspired by the iconic film, it transported attendees to a world of nostalgia and wonder. The ticket price included an all-inclusive package: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and exclusive goodies.



A Weekend of Activities
The convention featured a range of activities, including:
- Room shopping, which involved attendees going from room to room in search of their prized doll.
- Workshops, where attendees learned new crafts and techniques from industry experts.
- A raffle that gave attendees a chance to win exclusive Barbie collectibles.
- A competition showcasing the Barbie collections of fellow enthusiasts.
- An auction filled with favorite Barbie pieces, with proceeds going to charity.

Special Guests and Charity
The event was honored by the presence of Mattel designers Carlyle Nuera and Suim Noh, who delivered a speech during lunch. The auction, which raised a staggering $61,751 for charity, was a highlight of the weekend.



Exclusive Giveaways and Milestones
Attendees received a beautiful Barbie doll, repainted by the legendary Angie Gill of Gilly Gals, at the dinner event. The convention also celebrated several milestones:
- Magia2000 marked their 25th anniversary.
- Roma Fashion Doll Convention celebrated their 10th anniversary.
- Chef Gina’s Mini Food (ChefGinas.com) commemorated their 25th anniversary.


A Public Salesroom
The event concluded with a salesroom open to the public, exclusively featuring Barbie collectibles and one-of-a-kind pieces from iconic designers and stores worldwide.
The 2025 convention was a resounding success, bringing together fans of Barbie and fostering a sense of community. This event truly showcased the dedication of the Great Lakes Doll Club members and the passion of Barbie collectors and enthusiasts alike.
To learn more about GAW, visit their website: gawfund.org. The 2026 convention will take place April 24-26. Tickets go fast, so be sure to get on the list. Don’t miss out on the ultimate Barbie experience!
