On Feb. 18, CARSTAR, headquartered in Overland Park, Kan., was recognized by the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s National Office for its ongoing contributions to bringing special wishes to life for children with life-threatening medical conditions. In 2008, CARSTAR raised more than $200,000 for the organization.
Accepting the award from Make-A-Wish Missouri Director Sandra Lehrer was Dick Cross, chairman and CEO for CARSTAR.
“It is really an honor to be associated with such a distinguished organization as Make-A-Wish,” Cross said. “The work they do in communities across the country is amazing and the difference they make in the lives of children and their families is incredible. CARSTAR and our nearly 300 store owners throughout the United States are excited to be able to help these families in need.”
One child helped by CARSTAR, along with 3M, is 12-year-old Austin Irwin of Greenfield, Mo. Irwin wished to attend a race and meet some of his favorite NASCAR drivers. Irwin suffers from Wilm’s Tumor, a tumor of the kidneys that strikes children more frequently than adults and is diagnosed about 500 times a year in the U.S.
During the 3M Performance 400 Presented by Bondo race weekend in August, Irwin met NASCAR drivers Greg Biffle and Jeff Gordon, among others, and delivered the “Gentlemen, start your engines” command for the race. He was joined by his parents and younger brother.
CARSTAR’s SUPER’STANG, a rebuilt 1967 Mustang that made hundreds of stops on a national tour to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, raised over $200,000 for the charity. CARSTAR presented the check to the organization during the 3M Performance 400 in August, but continues to raise funds for Make-A-Wish through its ongoing activities.
For more information, visit www.carstar.com or www.wish.org.
