The Make-A-Wish Foundation® and UAW-GM Commemorate 100,000 Wishes
FOR RELEASE: October 16, 2002The Make-A-Wish Foundation® and UAW-GM Commemorate 100,000 Wishes
Celebration of Foundation's Momentous Milestone at UAW-GM's Quality 500 in Charlotte, N.C., Helped Grant Wishes for Kids From Arizona, Florida, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin
Detroit, Mich. - The Make-A-Wish Foundation began its celebration of granting 100,000 wishes at the 43rd running of the UAW-GM Quality 500 NASCAR Winston Cup race held Oct. 13 at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte, N.C.
Thanks to the ongoing national sponsorship of the Make-A-Wish Foundation by UAW-GM Center for Human Resources, four wish children from across the country shared in the celebration, having their wishes granted ... representative of tens of thousands of kids who have dreamed before them. They met their favorite NASCAR drivers, including Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Jeff Gordon and Mark Martin, and watched the race with their families.
"To attain this milestone is incredibly gratifying," said Paula Van Ness, president of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America. "The volunteerism of thousands of people over the years and the ongoing support of organizations like UAW-GM makes our mission possible and we are grateful for their support. We feel great pride in this accomplishment."
Richard Shoemaker, vice president and director, UAW General Motors Dept., commented, "It is extremely rewarding to take part in helping to make dreams come true for children who are battling life-threatening illnesses. UAW members are proud to be a part of the Make-A-Wish family, as part of the UAW-GM team and through individual efforts in their own communities."
Added Troy A. Clarke, GM group vice president, manufacturing and labor relations, "It's a privilege to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The people of UAW-GM, employees of General Motors and GM dealers across the country are proud to work together to bring smiles to the faces of thousands of courageous kids."
Make-A-Wish® Children Attending the Quality 500 Were:
Antonio, 16, from Phoenix, Ariz., lives with cerebral palsy. The teen, who celebrated his 17th birthday Oct. 13, is a big NASCAR fan. "I don't know who was more excited to go, him or me," said Antonio's mother, Christine, on behalf of her son who is unable to speak. "Thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, we gave Antonio the best birthday present ever!"
Kevin, 14, from Ft. Myers, Fla., battles leukemia. But his struggle faded, at least for the moment, when he met driver Mark Martin. "We watch the races together every Sunday," says Kevin's father, Terry. "My sister's child had a wish granted in 1986 and it was fantastic, so I knew the Make-A-Wish Foundation would come through for Kevin too."
Nathen, 11, from Mauston, Wisc., is all too familiar with the hallways of hospitals and the faces of doctors. "He was very excited to meet other kids from the Make-A-Wish Foundation," says Nathen's mother, Audrey. "Having his wish granted and meeting Dale Earnhardt Jr. was pretty special ... for him and for us."
Dustin, 7, from Fleming, Pa., lives with heart hypoplastic. He was also thrilled by the opportunity to meet Earnhardt. "By kindergarten, Dustin could already name all the NASCAR drivers," laughs Dustin's mom, Stephanie. "He had a calendar and marked off the days with big black Xs. The whole family was excited."
The History of the Make-A-Wish Foundation
The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy. It is the largest wish-granting organization in the world, with 78 chapters in the United States and its territories and 23 international affiliates on five continents. With the help of generous donors and more than 25,000 volunteers, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has now granted more than 100,000 wishes to children around the world since 1980.
Linda Bergendahl-Pauling, from Scottsdale, Ariz. - who gave birth to one very special little boy - helped found the Make-A-Wish Foundation. On April 29, 1980, a wish - the very first from the Foundation - was granted to Linda's son, Chris Greicius, a vibrant, dynamic seven-year-old who suffered from leukemia. On that one incredible day, Chris realized his lifelong dream to become a police officer. He received his own custom-tailored uniform, rode in a police helicopter and became the first and only honorary state trooper in the history of Arizona. Sadly, Chris passed away in 1980, but his experience was the inspiration for the formation of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which Bergendahl-Pauling continues to support as a goodwill ambassador.
The History of the UAW-GM Sponsorship of the Make-A-Wish Foundation
In 1999, the International Union, UAW and the General Motors Corporation (GM) committed to the largest sponsorship in the history of the Foundation. Their generous sponsorship has made it possible to grant thousands of children's wishes all across America.
In support of this sponsorship, UAW members, GM employees and GM dealers in communities around the country have personally committed to volunteerism, fundraising and wish granting...truly "Making Smiles Standard Equipment(r)" for these courageous children.
UAW-GM's support comes from the UAW-GM Center for Human Resources, which develops and administers education, training and retraining programs and joint activities for approximately 130,000 UAW-represented GM employees.
For more information about the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the UAW-GM sponsorship, visit www.wishworks.org or call 877-947-4967.
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