New, three-year partnership with the foundation is the single, largest gift ever received by Make-A-Wish Iowa

(Urbandale, Iowa) – Today, at a special reception in Iowa City, Make-A-Wish Iowa unveiled an exciting, new partnership with The Gerdin Charitable Foundation of Solon, Iowa, which will help fund 50 wishes per year over the next three years. The Gerdin Charitable Foundation’s total commitment of $1,950,000 is the single, largest donation Make-A-Wish Iowa has ever received in its 35-year history.

“We are so thankful for The Gerdin Charitable Foundation’s generous investment in our mission and their interest in providing the financial resources to help make 150 wishes possible over the next three years,” said Sara Kurovski, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish Iowa. “The Gerdin family has a long history of supporting Iowa organizations, so we are pleased they are joining us to help bring joy and life-changing wishes to children statewide with critical illnesses.” 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and related travel restrictions, Make-A-Wish Iowa currently has 352 unfulfilled wishes statewide. Given this, The Gerdin Charitable Foundation’s generous commitment will help reduce the backlog of wishes and also jumpstart Make-A-Wish Iowa’s goal of fulfilling at least 150 wishes per year moving forward.

"For all of us at the foundation, supporting Make-A-Wish was a no brainer. Who doesn't want to help children? Especially children that are ill,” said Julie Durr, a family spokesperson for The Gerdin Charitable Foundation. “We are in a unique position, due to the legacy of giving our parents have instilled in us, to give back; and what better way to do that than make dreams come true. We challenge everyone in the state to help make even more dreams come true by giving to Make-A-Wish Iowa."