VIP Tires & Service Makes Wishes Come True with $151k Make-A-Wish® Foundation Donation

AUBURN, ME — JANUARY 11, 2022 — VIP Tires & Service is kicking off 2022 with a donation of $151,050 to the Make-A-Wish® Foundation. The full-service automotive repair, maintenance, and tire shop today presented its largest donation ever to the charitable organization. The funds were raised by VIP’s team members and customers at their 65 locations, combined with the equal matching donation from Owner John Quirk. The company has been participating in the annual holiday Season of Wishes campaign since 2008. With locations in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Vermont participating in the effort, VIP has now raised over $835K for Make-A-Wish®.

“Our Season of Wishes campaign is something we look forward to each year knowing that it directly benefits the Make-A-Wish® Foundation in the four states we serve,” said Tim Winkeler, President and CEO, VIP Tires & Service. “This donation will help bring some light to hard times for many Make-A-Wish® children, and that’s something VIP is proud to stand behind. It never ceases to amaze me how the generosity of our team and customers shines during our annual holiday season fundraiser. We want to express our sincere appreciation to everyone who participated, VIP team members, customers, and supplier partners alike. It means the world.”

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 2021, the company’s 65 stores raised $75,525 and were matched by John Quirk, bringing VIP’s total donation to $151,050. The 2021 donation was 29% higher than 2020, showing steady year-over-year growth since the campaign’s inception. Funds raised in each state benefit the local Make-A-Wish® chapter:

• Maine’s 35 VIP stores raised $51,236.47 ($102,472.94 donation with matching)
• New Hampshire’s 20 VIP stores raised $19,953.74 ($39,907.48 donation with matching)
• Massachusetts’ six VIP stores raised $2588.69 ($5,177.38 donation with matching)
• Vermont’s 4 VIP stores raised $1746.35 ($3,492.70 donation with matching)

Make-A-Wish® grants wishes to critically ill children all across the country. The funds that support the wish-granting effort in each state are raised through campaigns like the VIP Tires & Service Season of Wishes campaign. Wishes range from trips to theme parks, meeting a favorite athlete or celebrity, attending a major sporting event or concert, receiving a computer, building a treehouse, or going on a shopping spree. VIP’s donation will make dozens of New England kids’ wishes come true.

“After 14 years, VIP Tires & Service still goes above and beyond to fundraise for the Make-A-Wish® team. Thank you to all of the customers and employees who participated in the campaign at VIP’s 65 stores throughout New England,” said Kate Vickery, President & CEO of Make-A-Wish Maine. “Your commitment and support of our mission are what makes life-changing wishes come true for kids throughout New England.”