Pat Connaughton helps the Bucks rack up Ws on the court – and this week he'll aim to spark triumphs off the court as well by helping kick off the annual Mukwonago Community Kids for Wish Kids fundraising push, running through Feb. 2. 

Connaughton will serve as the featured speaker – along with Mukwonago varsity girls basketball coach and Make-A-Wish dad Rick Witte – at the fundraising effort's kickoff event, hosted from 6-7:15 p.m. at the Mukwonago High School Gym, 605 W. Veterans Way.

From there, student and athletic groups from Mukwonago and Muskego will spend the next two weeks raising money – including via a "free throw-a-thon" where people can pledge donations to those competing – all with the goal of gathering $150,000 for Make-A-Wish Wisconsin by Thursday, Feb. 2. 

"It takes a caring community of people to grant wishes for children living with critical illnesses," said Patti Gorsky, President and CEO, Make-A-Wish Wisconsin, in a release. "We could not begin to fulfill these life-affirming wishes without the great students, staff, their families and the greater Mukwonago, Muskego and other surrounding communities, who are making magic happen through their creative efforts, infectious energy and hustle. These efforts will bring hope, strength, joy and beautiful memories made for wish kids and their families."

For more information on the fundraiser, additional ways to help or donate, and other campaigns from Make-A-Wish Wisconsin, click here.