Make-A-Wish® Illinois Chapter

GATX Employees

GATX CEO Brian Kenney and GATX Community Affairs Specialist Allison Dean, along with dozens of other GATX employees, welcomed wish child Maryah and her family before Maryah's wish to go on a Disney Cruise was granted.

Chicago is home to many big companies and international corporations, but one stands above the rest when it comes to making wishes come true for children with life-threatening medical conditions. GATX Corporation began supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois through employee giving in 1996. With their commitment for 2011, the company and its employees will have given more than $1 million dollars to support the organization's mission to grant wishes to children in Illinois, making them the largest single corporate donor to the Foundation.

"I am thrilled that GATX's employees continue to support this organization in such an enthusiastic way.  It is heartwarming to see the positive impact Make-A-Wish has on these on these children and their families.  My only wish is that we could do more," said Brian Kenney, CEO of GATX.

While a good part of the employee giving comes from elected payroll deductions, GATX uses the charitable giving as an opportunity to have fun and build morale with their more than 300 employees based in Chicago. This year, teams of GATX employees spent a day fanned out around the city in a competition reminiscent of televisions "The Apprentice" to see who could raise the most money for the Foundation. In years past, fundraising activities have included auctions, jail a co-worker, pie in the face and games like "Are You Smarter than a CEO/CFO." The company also sponsors a corporate team in the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois' annual Ride and Stride for Wishes.

Staying connected to the mission of the charitable organization is important for GATX leadership and employees. The company hosts a few wish children each year for wish parties where they invite the wish family into their office for a festive lunchtime gathering that includes employees. Additionally, many GATX employees also volunteer for the Make-A-Wish Foundation to help grant wishes.

This year, GATX will help share the power of a wish® with their customers. The company has sponsored the wish of an Illinois child in honor of their customers and sent gifts of co-branded travel mugs along with a letter about the child and his wish.

"In working with GATX over these past several years, we've found a very compassionate group of people who have helped to change so many lives through their support of our wish-granting efforts," said Stephanie Springs, Chief Executive Officer of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois. "This is truly an example of a caring corporate partnership. With their help, we look forward to granting wishes to Illinois children for many, many more years to come."

About GATX Corporation
GATX Corporation is the premier rail, marine and industrial equipment leasing leader.  What makes their company unique is their commitment to helping their local community, especially here in Illinois.  Since their founding in Chicago in 1898, GATX has given back to those who need it most, specifically to those children who face life-threatening medical conditions. 

Applying more than a century of operating experience and strong market and asset expertise, GATX provides quality assets and services to customers worldwide.  More importantly, GATX recognizes the life-changing impact granting a wish has on a sick child.  GATX makes the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois top priority throughout all levels of their organization, and that is why they are one of the 25 Leaders in Joy.