NORMAN, Okla. - Andy Armstrong, the director of marketing for Unitary Products, North America, part of the Building Efficiency Group of Johnson Controls Inc., presented the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Oklahoma with a check for $21,056, during halftime at an Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz’ Arena Football League game. The evening event was sponsored by Luxaire, a brand of Johnson Controls, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Armstrong participated in the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic in Durango, Colo.; a 50-mile uphill race against a 143-ton coal-fired steam engine. Although the Iron Horse was extremely grueling and physically challenging, Armstrong said the Make-A-Wish Foundation is, ultimately, what motivated him to complete the event.

“The only thing that kept me going throughout the ride was the thought, ‘This is easy compared to what the Make-A-Wish kids and their families have to go through,’ ” said Armstrong.

In addition to achieving his goal of completing the event, Armstrong also exceeded his pre-race fundraising goal of $18,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Oklahoma.

“Because of the $21,000 that was raised, we’re going to be able to grant approximately 3-4 wishes,” said Cherry Murray, director of special events for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Oklahoma.

Armstrong has also worked with Make-A-Wish through Johnson Controls. The company’s Luxaire brand of heating and cooling equipment donates a portion of each product sale to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Luxaire dealers and distributors around the country also work with their local Make-A-Wish Foundation chapters to organize their own fundraising activities, such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation nights at minor league ballparks.

“We are just so thankful and so appreciative of Luxaire’s support in general,” said Murray.

“It is because of the support and the partnership of people like Andy and his family that we are able to continue granting wishes.”

For more information, visit www.luxaire.com or www.wish.org.

Publication date: 07/23/2007