Fairfield, N.J. – (July 12, 2011) – Luxaire® distributor Luce Schwab & Kase Inc., Fairfield, N.J., has been a sponsor of the Make-A-Wish Foundation® for more than a decade, and according to Vice President Jim Luce, “It’s the best thing we’ve ever done. It’s a very worthwhile organization and it’s something that we can feel good about.”
The Luxaire brand of residential and light-commercial heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment and Luce, Schwab & Kase recently sponsored the New Jersey Walk for Wishes. The event raised more than $107,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of New Jersey, including a $5,000 donation from Luxaire Heating & Air Conditioning and Luce, Schwab & Kase.
Powered by wish families, volunteers, donors and friends of the foundation, this signature grassroots fundraising event took place in three locations throughout New Jersey: a 1.7-mile walk at Stockton Lake Park in Manasquan, a 3.7-mile walk in Cooper River Park in Pennsauken and a three-mile walk and 5K run in Liberty State Park in Jersey City. The Jersey City walk was the largest of the three, attracting more than 1,000 walkers and 200 runners. Several Luce, Schwab & Kase employees attended the event, led by Jeri Heppel, who works in the distributor’s purchasing department.
Wish families opened the walk and participants enjoyed a warm-up by a local fitness club as well as tents with arts and crafts, beverages and food.
In addition to sponsoring events like the New Jersey Walk for Wishes, Luce said the distributor also sponsors banquets and other fundraisers. “We have photos of wish children and their families in our offices and when possible, we have kids and their families over for lunch before they go on their trips.”
Luxaire’s sponsorship of the Make-A-Wish Foundation began in 2001 and has resulted in donations totaling more than $2 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. To date, Luxaire has helped grant the wishes of more than 80 children throughout the U. S.
“We’ve had a very positive response from contractors to our sponsorship of the Make-A-Wish Foundation,” said Luce. “Everyone knows someone who has had cancer or another life-limiting illness.”
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.
Johnson Controls
Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in over 150 countries. Our 142,000 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. In 2011, Corporate Responsibility Magazine recognized Johnson Controls as the #1 company in its annual "100 Best Corporate Citizens" list. For additional information, please visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com.
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Please Direct Reader Inquiries to:
Mary Mocarski
Luxaire Brand Manager
Johnson Controls – Unitary Products
507 E. Michigan
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Photo caption:
The New Jersey Walk for Wishes raised more than $107,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of New Jersey, including a $5,000 donation from Luxaire Heating & Air Conditioning and Luce, Schwab & Kase.