Make-A-Wish® Illinois Chapter

Featured Donors

It takes all kinds of donors to make wishes come true. There are so many ways to get involved. Learn How these donors share the power of a wish^®.

Individual Donors
Corporate Spotlight

INDIVIDUAL DONORS: The Kolkebeck Family  

"Who doesn't feel a stab of sadness when they learn of a child fighting for their life? Who wouldn't want to help see that child smile, laugh and for a short period of time feel in control of their lives? We love having a very small part in the magic of making that happen."

That's what the Kolkebeck family of DeKalb county think as they generously support the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois each year when they renew their commitment to sponsoring a child's wish.  The family, Denny and Theresa along with their children Katelyn and Sean, have supported the Foundation since hearing several wish kids on a radiothon in 2005.

"As a physical therapist I have seen firsthand the effects a life-threatening condition can have on an individual and the family," Dennis said. "We have also seen the joy Make-A-Wish brings to those individuals when we happened to run into a family enjoying their daughter's wish while on our honeymoon."

"We continue to believe in Make-A-Wish and their mission and admire their fiscal efficiency," he added." We believe in helping those in need and using the resources we have been blessed with to give back.  We also enjoy involving our children in this worthy cause to help develop their moral compasses."

With a photo album full of photos and stories of the wish children they have sponsored, Dennis, Theresa intend to become more involved with the Foundation as their children grow older.

"Everybody wants to be a part of something bigger than themselves whose mission is noble in nature."

CORPORATE DONOR: GATX Corporation

In the fall of 2001, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois was invited to participate in GATX Corporation's annual workplace giving campaign. Since then the relationship has flourished and GATX Corporation has donated more than $300,000 to Make-A-Wish through their employee giving program and sponsorship of events such as Wish Ball. Employees really get in on the act by hosting fundraisers like pies in the face, poker tournaments, raffles, sumo wrestling contests, etc. to raise even more donations for Make-A-Wish.

GATX, along with Potash Corporation, showed their support of the Make-A-Wish Foundation with this specially painted rail car.  The car travels through the United States and Canada, bringing awareness to the mission of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

GATX employees often host send off parties for wish children, celebrating the special child and his or her dream come true. This is but one of the many personal ways GATX employees participate in the mission of the Make-A-Wish Foundation and one reason why their committment to Make-A-Wish continues to grow stronger.

Beginning in 2008, GATX decided to donate 100 percent of its workplace giving funds to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois, making them the lead sponsor for the Make-A-Wish Golf Outing and WISHES Newsletter.

GATX Corporation provides lease financing and related services to customers operating rail, marine and other targeted assets. GATX is a leader in leasing transportation assets and controls one of the largest railcar fleets in the world. Applying over a century of operating experience and strong market and asset expertise, GATX provides quality assets and services to customers worldwide.

GATX has been headquartered in Chicago, Illinois since its founding in 1898 and has traded on the New York Stock Exchange since 1916. For more information, visit http://www.gatx.com/.