Wishes Granted for Local Southeast Wisconsin Residents
ST. FRANCIS, Wis., September 25, 2019 — Wixon, Inc. President Peter Gottsacker presented a check for $30,000 to the Make-A-Wish foundation in southeastern Wisconsin. This has become an annual event for the St. Francis-based company that creates and supplies seasonings, flavors and taste solutions for the global food and beverage industry. The fundraising usually involves a golf tournament and silent auction, and this year was no exception. On July 27th more than 130 golfers, including employees and Wixon vendors, participated in a tournament and silent auction, which also hosted former and current Make-A-Wish participants.
Wixon appreciates the opportunity to donate to local families. “Our hearts are tied to the people of Southeast Wisconsin. This is where we have our business, but also where we have our homes too,” said Gottsacker. “We welcome the chance to demonstrate our commitment to children in the area who find themselves in a tough place. It is as much of a gift to us to be able to grant the wish of a child who is dealing with cancer or another challenging illness, when we witness the joy and hope that wish fulfillment brings to the entire family.”
A tradition of giving
Wixon as a corporation began its tradition of fundraising for Make-A-Wish 27 years ago. Over that time the firm has donated more than $410,000 to Make-A-Wish, granting more than 100 “stars,” or fulfilled wishes, for critically ill children.
Once Wixon signs over the money from its annual fundraiser, the Make-A-Wish foundation then allocates the funds collected towards wish fulfillment some time during the following year. Funds collected in 2019 go towards wish fulfillment in 2020. Wixon’s donations enabled four “stars” in the southeastern Wisconsin area in 2019.
Last year, one local child, Eloi asked for a back porch and deck to be added to his family home, so he could more easily go outside. The construction was completed earlier this year, and he is now able to access fresh air and sunshine on a regular basis, despite being confined to a wheelchair.
Many of the children opt for a trip to Disney World, however the wishes can take many forms. A girl at the most recent fundraising event said for her wish, she would like to see a real unicorn. “I’m not quite sure how they are going to make this one happen,” said Jodi Nelson, Wixon’s Make-A-Wish coordinator, “but knowing the creativity of the Make-A-Wish staff, they’ll find a way.”
In addition to Make-A-Wish, the fundraising proceeds are distributed among other, locally-based charities that support families in the St. Francis Area.
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About Wixon Inc.
As a trusted manufacturer of dry and liquid custom taste solutions since 1907, Wixon provides seasoning blends, flavors, and flavor technologies to food and beverage companies across all retail and foodservice channels. Wixon also offers consumer packaging options for companies seeking turnkey solutions for dry mix food, beverage and nutrition products. Combining creative taste capabilities and solutions with a passion for service, Wixon drives innovation and differentiation for its customers. Located in St. Francis, Wis., Wixon is certified FSSC 22000, a Food Safety System certification fully recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). Visit www.wixon.com for information on products and capabilities.
About Make-A-Wish
Make-A-Wish grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. According to a 2011 U.S. study of wish impact, most health professionals surveyed believe a wish-come-true has positive impacts on the health of children. Kids say wishes give them renewed strength to fight their illness, and their parents say these experiences help strengthen the entire family. Headquartered in Phoenix, Make-A-Wish is one of the world’s leading children’s charities, serving children in every community in the United States and its territories. With the help of generous donors and more than 33,000 volunteers, Make-A-Wish grants a wish somewhere in the country every 34 minutes. It has granted more than 285,000 wishes since its inception in 1980; more than 15,300 in 2016 alone. Visit Make-A-Wish at wish.org to learn more.
Featured Image: Pictured are the Wixon event planning committee, executive team, and major supplier donors, along with Make-A-Wish representatives and a 2019 Make-A-Wish donation recipient.
