VIP Donates Nearly $330,000 to Make-A-Wish® in 2024

Last year’s fundraising total is a record for VIP, with company donations to the charity surpassing $1.6 million since 2008 

AUBURN, Maine — Today, VIP Tires & Service  — northern New England’s leader in all things tires and service — announced a record fundraising total for Make-A-Wish® in 2024, with VIP raising nearly $330,000 for the charity as part of the company’s longstanding commitment to philanthropy. With VIP Executive Chairman John Quirk once again matching the overall contribution (the most ever in a single year), VIP’s total contribution to Make-A-Wish® has now surpassed $1.6 million since the company first partnered with the charity in 2008.

Supporting young children who face life-threatening medical conditions, all VIP locations throughout the New England states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont raised money through customer contributions. Maine led the way with over $208,000 raised, including Quirk’s matching donation. New Hampshire came in second with more than $70,000 raised (match included). The funds raised in each state remain in that state to fund local Make-A-Wish® initiatives.

From left to right: Tim Winkeler, president and CEO of VIP Tires & Service, Nichole Rutherford, director of development at Make-A-Wish Maine, Brian Franks, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish Maine, Mary Daigle, senior manager of human resources at VIP Tires & Service, Lynn Campbell, director of marketing, advertising and CRM at VIP Tires & Service, and John Quirk, executive chairman of VIP Tires & Service.

As northern New England’s largest privately held automotive service provider and tire dealer, VIP is a firm believer in charity and community service making a positive difference in people’s lives. Operating more than 75 New England locations and employing about 750 people, the company feels compelled to assist its neighbors in local communities — whether they are VIP customers or not. In addition to supporting Make-A-Wish® every year, VIP also works to protect a clean, green environment by recycling used antifreeze, motor oil and transmission fluid, free of charge.

“Last year was a record-breaking year for VIP’s fund-raising efforts, donating hundreds of thousands of dollars to Make-A-Wish® and children in need,” said Tim Winkeler, president and CEO of VIP. “Make-A-Wish® is one of the world’s most impactful charities, and we were honored to give back to New England’s most vulnerable children in 2024. We’re grateful for the generosity of our customers and look forward to making an even greater impact in 2025.”

“VIP never fails to amaze us with their annual Make-A-Wish campaign results. This was another record-breaking year for their support of our wish kids and their families,” said Brian Franks, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish Maine. “These funds will make a life-changing difference to children battling critical illnesses throughout northern New England communities. We are grateful to VIP’s leadership, employees and customers for their ongoing support and generosity over the past 17 years.”