Make-A-Wish Foundation(R) of Idaho and Chevrolet of Boise Set the Wheels in Motion for Boise Teen's Wish to Come True

BOISE, Idaho, Feb. 5, 2007 -- Chance Harrington, a thriving sixteen year-old who explodes as a tight end on the football field, was recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer during a routine football physical. Make-A-Wish Foundation of Idaho and Chevrolet of Boise have teamed up to respond to Chance's wish: to restore his first set of wheels, a classic 1983 Chevrolet Camaro.

Chevrolet of Boise, a Lithia Motors dealership, has pulled together a phenomenal team of volunteers dedicated to helping Chance completely restore his 1983 Camaro.

"This is the first time we've helped grant a wish," said Tom Browning, General Manager of Chevrolet of Boise. "Every one of our mechanics has asked to get involved and help Chance. Besides, any kid who is cool enough to fall in love with an '83 Camaro is a friend of ours."

"Despite our global footprint and strong resources, Make-A-Wish's success ultimately depends on the grassroots energy, dedication and support from local communities and companies like Chevrolet of Boise," said Nancy Berry, Program Services Director of the Idaho Make-A-Wish Chapter. "We are continually astounded by the generosity of Boise residents and are thankful for all the support we receive. To know Chance is to love Chance and we are so glad that we will be able to fulfill his wish."

Spearheading the project is Ted Wesler, Service Manager for Chevrolet of Boise, with a team of 15 enthusiastic volunteers from the dealership. Wesler was initially contacted by two Make-A-Wish volunteers in charge of Chance's wish: Kari Homan and Andrea Fogleman. They shared their ideas with Wesler and the dream was launched. In addition, select support given by Chevrolet of Boise and Lithia Motors, includes: technician Eric Hutchcraft who donated his 1983 Camaro for parts, technician Brik Starkey, who donated a re-manufactured transmission; Lithia Support Services who made a $3,000 cash donation; as well as the donation of time and services provided by the local Lithia Body Shop for the stripping and painting of the Camaro once the mechanical restoration and labor has been done. Last, but not least, Chase's Camaro will have a new GM engine donated by Chevrolet of Boise.

Other businesses that have become extremely involved in the project include: Valley View Towing who has towed many donated parts for the vehicle to Chevrolet of Boise; Boise Muffler who has agreed to re-store the exhaust; Boise Upholstery will contribute time and effort towards the interior trim work; Wheel City will provide and donate new wheels and rims; Pam Auto Parts will supply the shocks, struts, and new brakes; and Classic Industries will be updating the door locks, headliner and weather strips.

Make-A-Wish Foundation is dedicated to granting the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Since its humble beginnings, the organization has blossomed into a worldwide phenomenon, reaching more than 144,000 children around the globe.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Idaho grants wishes to children throughout the majority of the state of Idaho. For more information, please call 208-345-9474.