In 1999, the International Union, UAW and the General Motors Corporation (GM) committed to one of the largest sponsorships in the history of the Foundation and have helped to grant thousands of children's wishes all across America. In support of this sponsorship, UAW-GM people, GM employees and GM dealers in the communities around the country have personally committed to volunteerism, fund raising and wish granting...truly "Making Smiles Standard Equipment®" for these courageous children. UAW-GM support comes from the UAW-GM Center for Human Resources, which develops and administers education, training and retraining programs and joint activities for thousands of UAW-represented GM employees. 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. Born in 1980 when a group of caring individuals 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 67 chapters in the U.S. 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 161,000 wishes in the U.S. since inception. For more information about the Make-A-Wish Foundation, visit www.wish.org and discover how you can share the power of a wish®. The first wish was granted on April 29, 1980. A vibrant, dynamic seven-year-old Arizona boy named Chris Greicius realized his lifelong dream to become a police officer. Chris’ incredible day included riding in a police helicopter, receiving his own custom-tailored uniform and becoming the first and only honorary state trooper in Arizona history. Many generous individuals responsible for fulfilling Chris’ wish wanted to do the same for other children with life-threatening medical conditions and founded the Make-A-Wish Foundation®. For more information about the Make-A-Wish Foundation®, please call 1-800-722-WISH (9474), or visit www.wish.org. For more information about sponsorship opportunities, call WishWorks® toll free at 1-877-WISHWORKS (947-4967), or visit www.wishworks.org. Facts you can use in press releases, stories or activities pertaining to the UAW-GM and General Motors sponsorship of the Make-A-Wish