VIP Inc. dba VIP Tires & Service has given Make-A-Wish a record donation — $78,123.76 — following its annual holiday campaign at its 58 stores in New England. Since 2007, VIP has raised more than $483,000 for Make-A-Wish through the annual fundraising effort.
VIP encourages employees and customers to make individual donations to the orgniazation, and then the company matches every penny that's raised in the stores. In 2018 the company’s 58 VIP stores raised $39,061.88.
The VIP 2018 Season of Wishes Campaign raised 40% more funds than the previous year.
John Quirk, chairman and CEO of VIP, says, “I attribute the increase to a phenomenal commitment to the cause by our store teams, plus a little friendly competition between all of our locations. This year was also so successful because Make-A-Wish had wish recipients visit our stores and tell their stories, and that helped to create a special link between the fundraising effort and those who benefit. It really inspired our employees and customers to get involved."
Funds raised in each state benefit their local state Make-A-Wish chapters:
- Maine VIP stores raised $24,213 ($48,426 donation)
- New Hampshire VIP stores raised $11,331.18 ($22,662.36 donation)
- Massachusetts VIP stores raised $2,889.10 ($5,778.20 donation)
- Vermont VIP store, which opened in the fall of 2018, raised $628 ($1,256 donation)
Kate Vickery, executive director of Make-A-Wish Maine, says, “The results of this year’s campaign are just incredible! The funds raised are indicative of the continued commitment and heartfelt dedication that the employees and leadership at VIP have to making life-changing wishes come true for the kids and families that we serve. Their efforts are truly making a difference in communities, not just here in Maine, but throughout New England and we couldn’t be more grateful for their continued partnership.”
Make-A-Wish grants wishes to critically ill children all across the country. The average cash cost to grant a single wish in Maine is about $7,000, and the funds that support the wish granting effort in each state are raised through campaigns like the one VIP Tires & Service holds each holiday season. Wishes range from trips to theme parks, meeting a favorite athlete or celebrity, attending a major sporting event or concert, receiving a computer, tree house, or shopping spree.
“Helping grant wishes for these children is extremely meaningful and gives them something positive to look forward to,” says Quirk. “We would like to thank our generous employees and customers for helping raise these funds that will bring much-deserved happiness to the lives of children and young people facing life-threatening conditions.”
Quirk is Modern Tire Dealer's reigning Tire Dealer of the Year. Read more about him, and VIP, here.
For more information about VIP, visit: www.vipauto.com.
