---

UAW-GM Make Michigan Boy's Wish Come True

20 July 2000

Cassopolis Youth Gets His 1989 Camaro Restored ... by Hand!

         
    WARREN, Mich - When Joshua Ball's wish-granters asked him what his most 
heartfelt desire and dream was, it didn't take long for his reply -- to have his 
1989 Chevrolet Camaro restored.  When prompted as to why, this Cassopolis native
with Cystic Fibrosis replied, "So when I drive through town, everyone can look 
and say, 'Hey!  There goes Josh!'"

    On Thursday, July 20, at 10 a.m., Josh was reunited with the car he last
saw in early April.  That was when a team of UAW and General Motors employees
arrived at his home, loaded up his car and took it to the GM Technical Center
in Warren to begin its long road to restoration.

    About 300 people -- from UAW, General Motors, Make-A-Wish, Josh's family
and others -- attended the celebration that was held at the Warren Validation
Center on the grounds of the GM Technical Center.  The event was more than
just the first time Josh had seen his car since April.  It was also the first
time that he had the opportunity to meet, shake the hands of, and thank the
dedicated team that restored his car.

    "This car has become a labor of love for everyone involved and we cannot
begin to express our gratitude to everyone at UAW and GM that have helped this
wish be realized," said Susan Lerch, President & CEO of the Make-A-Wish
Foundation(R) of Michigan.  "This is an outstanding group of people, creating
memories that will last a lifetime -- for them and this child."

    Among some of the special "perks" of Josh's new car are a custom sewn
leather interior, chrome engine parts, a $400 stereo system, and many, many
other touches.

    In 1999, the International Union, UAW and General Motors announced an
unprecedented, three-year partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation(R) of
America to sponsor wishes for children nationwide.  The UAW-GM sponsorship
represents the largest commitment of any sponsor in the Make-A-Wish
Foundation's history.  The gift is an extension of common goals and beliefs
shared by UAW and GM -- a commitment to community, family and helping those
who need it most.

    The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan grants the wishes of children with
life-threatening illnesses to enrich the human experience with hope, strength,
and joy.