NORMAN, OKLA. – (May 28, 2010) – The Luxaire® (www.joinluxaire.com) brand of residential and light-commercial heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) equipment recently sponsored the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Mississippi’s annual Wish Ball. “A Magical Masquerade” attracted 400 guests to the Country Club of Jackson, Miss., on March 27 and generated more than $125,000 for the Mississippi chapter of the largest wish-granting organization in the world.
The event began at 6 p.m. with a silent auction that raised more than $12,000. Following dinner, a live auction raised an additional $11,000 for the chapter. Guests also contributed $20,000 in yellow envelopes at their tables. Entertainment included an appearance by former wish child and current country music artist Kevin Sharp and dancing to the music of Hunter Gibson and the Gators. Proceeds from the gala will help grant wishes to deserving children living with life-threatening medical conditions.
“These children and their families are the inspiration for our work with the Make-A-Wish® organization,” said Mary Mocarski, Luxaire brand manager. “Over the years, we’ve had the opportunity to positively impact the lives of numerous children. It makes us feel even better when we know we are helping children in our own communities.”
The alliance between Luxaire and the Make-A-Wish Foundation began in 2001 and has resulted in donations exceeding $1.95 million. The most recent agreement between the two organizations extends the relationship into 2011 and commits $675,000 in Luxaire contributions over three years to the national program.
The Luxaire network of distributors and dealers also works with Make-A-Wish chapters to organize a variety of fundraising activities, including raffles, golf outings and activities associated with local sporting events, both amateur and professional. Using money raised by these and other fundraising activities, Luxaire has helped grant the wishes of more than 80 children in dealer markets.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Founded in 1980 when a group of caring volunteers helped a young boy fulfill his dream of becoming a police officer, the Foundation is now the largest wish-granting charity in the world, with 65 chapters in the United States and its territories. With the help of generous donors and nearly 25,000 volunteers, the Make-A-Wish Foundation grants a wish every 40 minutes and has granted more than 188,000 wishes in the United Sates since its inception. For more information about the Make-A-Wish Foundation, visit wish.org and discover how you can share the power of a wish®.
Luxaire® products from Johnson Controls include high-performance residential central air-conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces and accessories and light-commercial, packaged heating and cooling systems marketed through a network of distributors and delivered to home- and building-owners through independent Luxaire heating and air conditioning dealers. For more information about Luxaire, visit www.joinluxaire.com or call 877-958-9247.
About Johnson Controls
Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in over 150 countries. Our 130,000 employees create quality products, services and solutions to optimize energy and operational efficiencies of buildings; lead-acid automotive batteries and advanced batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles; and interior systems for automobiles. Our commitment to sustainability dates back to our roots in 1885, with the invention of the first electric room thermostat. Through our growth strategies and by increasing market share we are committed to delivering value to shareholders and making our customers successful.
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Please Direct Reader Inquiries to:
Mary Mocarski
Luxaire Brand Manager
Johnson Controls Inc.
507 E. Michigan
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Photo Caption
Former Make-A-Wish child and country music artist Kevin Sharp (center) and his band mates, Dan Barnes (guitar) and John Shaw (keyboards), entertain the crowd at the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Mississippi’s annual wish ball, “A Magical Masquerade.” The event raised more than $125,000 for the Mississippi chapter of the largest wish-granting organization in the world.