AUBURN, Maine — VIP Tires & Service has donated $55,658.12 to Make-A-Wish Foundation, funds raised during the company's 10th annual Season of Wishes Campaign last December at the dealership's 56 stores.
During the 2017 holiday season, VIP customers were asked to make a minimum $1 donation, for which they received a paper star with their name displayed in their VIP store.
Together, the 56 VIP stores in Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire raised $27,829.06 through the generosity of their customers and employees, a total that VIP Tires matched.
The funds raised in each state benefit their local state Make-A-Wish chapters. In the last 10 years, VIP has raised more than $405,000 for Make-A-Wish through its annual program.
"We can all play a part, big and small, in helping kids with life-threatening illnesses get their wish," said Kate Vickery, executive director of Make-A-Wish Maine.
"The team at VIP works tirelessly to talk with their customers about Make-A-Wish and gives them the opportunity to support the organization by buying a paper star. Each year their donation grows and more kids get wishes. We're endlessly appreciative and thankful for the VIP team."
Make-A-Wish creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses all across the country. On average, Make-A-Wish in Maine fulfills one gift to a seriously ill child every five days; in New Hampshire it's every four days and in Massachusetts Make-A-Wish grants a wish each and every day.
Wishes typically cost about $7,000, and the funds that support the wish granting effort in each state are raised through campaigns like the one VIP Tires holds each holiday season.
"Helping grant wishes for these children is extremely meaningful because it brings joy and emotional support that anything is possible," VIP Chairman and CEO John Quirk said.
"I want to thank our incredible employees and our loyal customers for their generosity. Together, we can play a role in granting multiple wishes that will create cherished moments for New England families."