VIP Tires & Service, a full-service automotive repair, maintenance and tire shop, announced today that its 59 locations across New England have raised and donated $97,306 to Make-A-Wish. The funds were raised during the company’s annual holiday Season of Wishes Campaign with stores from Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Vermont participating. Since 2007, VIP has raised more than $582,100 for Make-A-Wish through its annual fundraising effort.

The funds are raised annually with individual donations made by VIP employees and customers, and then matched 100% by VIP’s Chairman, John Quirk. In 2019, the company’s 59 stores raised $48,653 and was matched by the company, bringing VIP’s total donation to $97,306. The 2019 donation was 20% higher than 2018, demonstrating the continued and renewed commitment VIP employees and customers have to the annual campaign. VIP presented the Make-A-Wish check on Jan. 22 at its Auburn, Maine, headquarters.

“Many say that the measure of an organization is not by its sales or profits, but by how many people it helps. I happen to agree,” said Tim Winkeler, president and CEO, VIP Tires & Service. “By that measure, [VIP] can take pride and humility in how our collective efforts this year, along with John Quirk’s continued generosity, will help so many young children facing life-threatening medical conditions achieve their dreams. I would like to extend a huge thank you to the generous employees and customers for making this Make-A-Wish donation possible.”

Funds raised in each state benefit the local Make-A-Wish chapter include:

• Maine VIP stores raised $34,650 ($69,300 donation)
• New Hampshire VIP stores raised $11,380 ($22,760 donation)
• Massachusetts VIP stores raised $2,196 ($4,392 donation)
• Vermont’s singular VIP store raised $427 ($854 donation)

“We are once again so incredibly grateful for the difference VIP is making for our kids and the continued partnership. This is truly so impressive and impactful,” said Kate Vickery, executive director of Make-A-Wish Maine. “Make A Wish wants to extend a huge thank you to all VIP employees and customers for their commitment to supporting our mission. We look forward to sharing the inspirational stories from families made possible with this annual donation.”

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.