GM Dealer Jerry Seiner has been helping wishes come true – one Rubber Ducky Derby at a time.

Jerry Seiner, owner of three GM dealerships in Utah (Salt Lake City, N. Salt Lake City and South Jordan) is a wish come true for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Utah. For 19 years, he has been a sponsor of the annual Rubber Ducky Derby, a marvelous event where everyone has fun, money is raised for wishes, and heartfelt inspiration is in abundance.

From the beginning of the Derby 19 years ago, Seiner’s participation was instrumental to the success of the event. He got involved through his employees, who wanted to give him a special Christmas present. In lieu of a gift, they collected money for him to donate to the charity of his choice. He chose the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Seiner called his local Make-A-Wish chapter, which was just getting started, and told them he had a donation. Chriss Sharer, current CEO, who was a volunteer at the time, remembered: “When Jerry called, I invited him to attend a board meeting, and he did. We asked him to donate a car, and he agreed. That was the beginning of a wonderful association.” For 19 years Seiner has donated first prize—a GM car!—that goes to the winner of the Ducky Derby. He also matches his employees’ donations; for every ducky an employee races, he matches it with another one. That adds up to thousands of duckies!

Seiner loves the Ducky Derby. “With UAW-GM’s sponsorship and our donation of the car, almost all, if not all, of the money raised goes to grant wishes,” he said.  CEO Sharer has only praise for Seiner: “It was his vision and imagination and hands-on involvement in the early years that has made this event so powerful and enduring.”

Seiner also has special memories of a wish child whom he met at the first Derby. Emma, 15, wanted to be a model, and Seiner recommended her story for a Utah magazine. That article led to a TV appearance and some local modeling for her. A few years later, Seiner met her at a Make-A-Wish event, and she had blossomed into a beautiful, vivacious young woman. “That is the miracle of Make-A-Wish,” Seiner said, “Emma’s life was extended. I truly believe wish granting brings a special happiness to wish children and their families.”

Sharer has deep respect for Seiner and his contributions. “Jerry’s sponsorship of the Rubber Ducky Derby has created a colorful and childlike signature event, raised a cumulative figure now approaching $2 million, granted hundreds and hundreds of wishes for Utah children, and inextricably linked GM with the joy and power of our wonderful mission.”

Seiner has a wish that reflects his generous spirit. “I wish that the Foundation can continue to accomplish its mission.” As long as Jerry Seiner and the rubber duckies are racing, that mission is assured.