PORTLAND, Maine – VIP Parts, Tires and Service, New England’s leading automotive retailer, just wrapped up another successful campaign in conjunction with Make-A-Wish. Every VIP store participated in a seasonal program promoting donations to Make-A-Wish that raised more than $32,000 in 2011.
 
By giving paper and magnetic stars to customers who made donations to Make-A-Wish, VIP raised not only critical funds for the foundation, but awareness of the tremendous work being done by this organization.
 
“Many people do not realize that we are focused on helping local children and that money donated within your state stays there,” said Tom Peaco, executive director of Make-A-Wish Maine. “In Maine, we grant a wish every five days and the average cost is $6,000. This campaign through VIP allows the general public to give what they can and come together to help us in a substantial way.”
 
VIP Parts, Tires and Service has partnered with Make-A-Wish to raise nearly $165,000 over the past four years. These funds have helped to grant 27 wishes to deserving children with life-threatening medical conditions in Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
 
Wishes range from trips to Walt Disney World to computer gaming systems, playhouses, dinosaur digs and more.
 
“We work to help the child decide what his or her greatest wish is and then bring that magical experience to the family when life is full of challenges such as painful hospital visits, interrupted school schedules and limited activities,” said Peaco.
 
In the past, VIP Parts, Tires and Service has actively participated in wishes having to do with car upgrades and shopping sprees.
 
“VIP Parts, Tires and Service is honored to be involved once again with Make-A-Wish and the wishes that they help grant to these amazing children,” said John Quirk, president and CEO of VIP Parts, Tires and Service.
 
Upcoming wishes include: Jesse, 16, of New Gloucester, who wishes for an Alienware laptop; Grace, 7, of Sanford, who wishes to go to Walt Disney World; Gabriell, 12, who wishes to go to Atlantis Resort; Caroline, 17, of Brunswick, who wishes to go to Hawaii; Rose, 5, of Portland, who wishes to go to Walt Disney World; Tucker, 17, of Falmouth, who wishes to go to the E3 Gaming Expo in Los Angeles; and others.
 
To see complete wish stories including photographs and videos from these wishes, follow Make-A-Wish on Facebook or their website www.maine.wish.org.