Gerdin Foundation pledges $3.5 million to Make-A-Wish Iowa

Starting this year, the Gerdin Charitable Foundation has pledged a $700,000 annual match on donations made to Make-A-Wish Iowa for the next five years to grant wishes for children with critical illnesses.

The gift totals “an extraordinary” $3.5 million, the largest pledge ever made in Make-A-Wish Iowa's 39-year history, the nonprofit said in a news release this week.

“The entire Gerdin family has raised their hands to lead the charge, to ensure that kids in Iowa can receive a life-changing wish,” said Sara Kurovski, CEO of Make-A-Wish Iowa. “Kids are referred to us every day, and we simply can’t keep up with the growing number of wishes that need to be granted.

“To have these leaders in the community acknowledge the impact a wish experience can have on a child and their family, at a time that is so critically important, makes all the difference.”

At this time, 300 critically ill children in Iowa are waiting for their wish, Kurovski said. The Gerdin gift will grant nearly 250 of those wishes.

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Russ Gerdin founded Heartland Express in North Liberty in 1978, growing it into one of the nation’s leading trucking companies.

He and his wife, Ann, and their family established the Gerdin Charitable Foundation. The foundation and family have given millions to the University of Iowa, Iowa State University and the University of Northern Iowa and other educational institutions. Russ Gerdin died in 2011.

“Giving wishes to kids is a privilege for our family,” said Julie Durr, a family spokesperson for the Gerdin foundation. “These wish experiences bring hope, often when hopelessness is being felt, and light on dark days.

“While giving these kids and their families something to look forward to is incredibly rewarding, we hope someday, in a perfect world, granting wishes won't be needed and children will never fall ill.”

More information on Make-A-Wish Iowa is at https://wish.org/iowa.