Make-A-Wish Bicycle Tour Raised Funds for Kids

Make-A-Wish Bicycle Tour

Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton was the lead sponsor of Make-A-Wish Michigan’s 2013 Wish-A-Mile (WAM) Bicycle Tour, which has raised more than $2 million to help grant wishes for children throughout Michigan.

WAM is said to be the largest fundraising event for Make-A-Wish Michigan, and a key component in helping the charitable organization reach its goal of granting at least 400 wishes this year.

Now in its 26th year, the WAM 300 tour covered three days (July 25-28) and 300 miles with more than 900 riders participating this year. And some 200 riders biked the one-day, 50-mile WAM 50.

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Both events finished with a partial lap on the track of the Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Mich. Many riders and volunteers are parents, friends and community members who have been directly impacted by Make-A-Wish.

“The support Eaton provides to Make-A-Wish Michigan through their participation in the Wish-A-Mile Bicycle Tour is what makes this event so special to participants and Michigan Wish families each year,” said Janelle Gunn, WAM director.

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“Make-A-Wish is a wonderful organization, providing hope, strength and joy to children with life-threatening medical conditions,” said John Coll, vice president of Global Marketing for Eaton’s Vehicle Group in Galesburg, Mich.

Eaton, which has been involved in WAM for 24 years and has served as the lead sponsor of the event for the last six years, provided support vehicles and $50,000 in corporate funding.

In addition, nearly 50 Eaton employees participated in this year’s event, including riders—who raised another $61,000 through donations—and volunteer drivers. Eaton Corporation made this announcement Monday, August 5.