MILWAUKEE – (July 7, 2010) – The Luxaire® (www.joinluxaire.com) brand of residential and light-commercial heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) equipment recently sponsored tasting stations at the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Greater Pennsylvania and Southern West Virginia’s annual wine tasting event. The seventh annual Grapevine event welcomed over 300 guests to Bossa Nova, in downtown Pittsburgh, and generated more than $42,000 for the largest wish-granting organization in the world.
Grapevine guests sampled wine and tapas, and participated in various auctions to win prizes. Over $12,000 was raised from the auctions and additional donations alone. The fundraising efforts will be used to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions.
“Grapevine was a huge success – with this year being the best so far,” noted Stephanie Pugliese, special events manager, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Pennsylvania and Southern West Virginia. “Grapevine continues to be a fun and successful event. Planning for the 2011 Grapevine is already under way.”
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 works with Make-A-Wish® chapters to sponsor various events throughout the year including galas, golf tournaments, motorcycle rides, wine tastings and Walk for Wishes® events. 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 193,000 wishes in the United Sates since its inception. To learn 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:
Luxaire® recently sponsored tasting stations at the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Greater Pennsylvania and Southern West Virginia’s annual wine tasting event. Assisting at one of the stations are Make-A-Wish volunteers Kim Carradine (left) and Jeanine Brevak.