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2026 Make A Wish
Bergstrom Automotive's Inaugural Wash for Wishes Raises $177,282 for Make-A-Wish Wisconsin
(Neenah, WI – August 11, 2026) – NEENAH, Wis. — Bergstrom Automotive's first-ever Wash for Wishes fundraiser raised $177,282 for Make-A-Wish Wisconsin while providing more than 1,000 car washes during the two-day community event, marking a successful new chapter in the company's longstanding commitment to helping grant life-changing wishes for Wisconsin children facing critical illnesses.
Held July 17–18 at participating Bergstrom Automotive dealerships throughout Northeast Wisconsin, the inaugural event brought together teammates, guests, community partners, and local families for two days of fundraising and fun across all Bergstrom locations. Guests made donations for car washes while enjoying activities including silent auctions, bake sales, food trucks, raffles, dunk tanks, and other family-friendly entertainment.
The event is the newest addition to Bergstrom Automotive's partnership with Make-A-Wish Wisconsin, a relationship that spans more than 25 years. During that time, Bergstrom teammates, guests, and community partners have helped raise over $4 million to help grant wishes for children with critical illnesses across Wisconsin.
"The response to our very first Wash for Wishes exceeded every expectation," said John F. Bergstrom, Executive Chairman, Bergstrom Automotive. "To see our teammates, guests, and communities come together to raise funds and wash over 1,000 vehicles in just two days is truly inspiring. Our partnership with Make-A-Wish Wisconsin has always been about giving children and their families hope during some of life's most difficult moments, and we're honored to continue that mission together."
More than 400 Wisconsin children are currently waiting for their wishes to be granted. Funds raised through Wash for Wishes will help Make-A-Wish Wisconsin continue creating hope, strength, and joy for local wish children and their families.
About Bergstrom Automotive
Bergstrom Automotive, headquartered in Neenah, Wisconsin, is one of the top automotive retailers in the U.S. and the largest in Wisconsin. The company employs over 2,500 teammates statewide and proudly represents 34 automotive brands across 60 facilities. Guided by a commitment to outstanding guest service, Bergstrom sells and services Acura, Alfa Romeo, Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, FIAT, Ford, Genesis, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar, Jeep, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Maserati, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, Ram, Sprinter, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Volvo.
About Make-A-Wish® Wisconsin
Together we grant life-changing wishes for children battling critical illnesses. Children who are fighting critical illnesses experience extreme physical & emotional challenges every day. Hospital stays, harsh treatments & scary surgeries are not only exhausting – they are traumatic. The hope and joy of a wish is the most valuable gift you can give to these children – because it means you are giving them better odds of surviving and thriving! Thanks to our caring supporters like Bergstrom Automotive and our community, hundreds of kids will discover the transformational power of a wish this year. For more information about Make-A-Wish Wisconsin or to learn how you can make a difference, please call 920.993.9994 or visit wish.org/wisconsin.
