Rhode Island GM dealer Paul Masse provides a wishmobile to keep the message of the Foundation in motion.

If you happen to be in Providence or thereabouts, and you see a blue Chevy Equinox decorated with white wish stars, logos and the words: “Hope, Strength, and Joy,” honk your horn and wave, because you’ve just spotted the wishmobile belonging to the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Rhode Island.

Donated by Paul Masse, president of Paul Masse Chevrolet in East Providence and Paul Masse Pontiac-Buick-Cadillac-GMC in Woonsocket, the newest wishmobile made its debut at the annual Star Studded Gala last fall. Locals can see the colorful wishmobile driving around the city, in local parades and at fundraising events throughout the state. Previous wishmobiles – this is the third provided by Paul Masse – have made appearances at golf tournaments, wish walks, motorcycle runs – even a prom and a polo match!

Dr. Diana Hackney, CEO and president of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Rhode Island came up with the wishmobile idea several years ago. She presented her proposal to numerous dealers, and all of them turned her down. Then, she met with Masse. “It was amazing,” Hackney remembers. “He read the proposal, and he said to the general manager, ‘How about the white one with the fold-down table?’ Twenty minutes later we drove away in our first wishmobile, a Chevrolet Equinox.”

Paul Masse is proud to support the Make-A-Wish foundation of Rhode Island. “The wishmobile creates a lot of enthusiasm with the kids, and the Foundation does a lot of good things with it,” he said.

Like so many people who get involved, he is impressed with the wish children and their families. “My favorite wish is the kid who wanted to be the CEO of General Motors for a day. Now that’s really special.”

The people at the Make-A-Wish Foundation think Paul Masse is really special, too. To show their appreciation of his continuing generosity, the chapter recognized Masse’s contributions at their gala. In addition, they named a wish, sponsored by UAW-GM, in his honor. Wish child Carlin, 18, will visit Rome and Tuscany in April.

Hackney praised Masse: “UAW-GM and Paul Masse Chevrolet have captured the spirit of the Foundation’s work by providing a symbol that is shared by our wish families and the community. It has a powerful impact that lifts the spirit while putting smiles on our very special children.”

Always humble, Masse remarked: “It was our wish to become more involved in the extremely important mission of providing joy and smiles to the bravest faces in the state.”

Hackney’s wish? “I’d like to see every one of the 67 chapters of the Make-A-Wish Foundation have a wishmobile.”

With more dealers like Paul Masse, maybe her wish will be granted.