Eaton Receives “Leader in Joy” Award for 25-Year Partnership with Make-A-Wish Michigan; Helps Raise More Than $2 Million During Annual Bicycle Tour

Power management company Eaton was named a “Leader in Joy” by Make-A-Wish® Michigan, which grants wishes to Michigan children with life-threatening medical conditions. Eaton was one of 30 corporate, group and individual recipients of the Leader in Joy award for supporting the charitable organization and helping to create life-changing experiences for Michigan children and their families.

Eaton's co-captains in the Wish-A-Mile bicycle tour, Dave Karnes (center right) and Bill Braun (far right), receive the "Leader in Joy" award from Make-A-Wish Michigan's CEO Karen Davis (center left) and Executive Assistant Andrea Ayres (far left). (Photo: Andrew Knapik Photography)

Eaton has supported Make-A-Wish Michigan for 25 years, including serving as the lead sponsor of the Wish-A-Mile® (WAM) Bicycle Tour for the last seven years. WAM is the largest fundraising event for Make-A-Wish Michigan, and a key component in helping the group reach its goal of granting more than one wish per day to Michigan children.

“Make-A-Wish Michigan is a wonderful organization, providing hope, strength and joy to children with life-threatening medical conditions,” said John Coll, vice president of Global Marketing for Eaton’s Vehicle Group in Galesburg, Mich. “The Leader in Joy award reflects Eaton’s commitment to supporting local groups in the areas in which we work and live.”

The Leader in Joy awards were presented during the WAM Bicycle Tour, which raised more than $2 million this year to help grant wishes for children throughout Michigan.

Now in its 27th year, the WAM 300 tour covered three days and 300 miles with about 1,000 riders participating this year. In addition, some 200 riders completed the one-day, 50-mile WAM 50. Both events finished with a partial lap on the track of the Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Mich. Many riders and volunteers are parents, friends and community members who have been directly impacted by Make-A-Wish Michigan.

“Make-A-Wish Michigan is so grateful for Eaton’s tremendous support of the Wish-A-Mile Bicycle Tour,” said Karen Davis, president and CEO, Make-A-Wish Michigan. “We are honored to recognize Eaton as a Leader in Joy this year. Their dedication to Make-A-Wish Michigan is invaluable and has been responsible for bringing joy to so many wish families through the years.”

Eaton provided support vehicles and $60,000 in corporate funding for the 2014 WAM tour. In addition, 53 Eaton employees and family members participated in this year’s event, including riders—who raised another $69,000 through donations—and volunteers. Eaton’s team was co-captained by Dave Karnes, vice president, Sales, Truck North America, and Bill Braun, corporate director, Supply Chain. Both have participated in WAM for more than 10 years.

“It’s a privilege for Eaton and our employees to be associated with Make-A-Wish and help raise money for a worthwhile cause through such a great event as the WAM bicycle tour,” Karnes said.

Eaton’s participation included men and women of all ages from its facilities across Michigan and Ohio. The Eaton team also included participants from several of the company’s customers and suppliers.

Make-A-Wish Michigan has granted more than 7,500 wishes to Michigan children since the Michigan chapter was founded in 1984. Building on the tradition of corporate citizenship, Eaton encourages volunteerism and provides dollar-for-dollar matching of employee gifts to education, arts and cultural non-profit organizations.

Eaton is a power management company with 2013 sales of $22.0 billion. Eaton provides energy-efficient solutions that help our customers effectively manage electrical, hydraulic and mechanical power more efficiently, safely and sustainably. Eaton has approximately 103,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 175 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com.

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