The Gerdins, founders of North Liberty, Iowa-based Heartland Express (CCJ Top 250, No. 28), were recognized as 2025 Chapter Philanthropists of the Year by Make-A-Wish America at the Evening of Excellence Award Ceremony during the Make-A-Wish America Conference at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.
Each year, the Philanthropist of the Year award is given to a Make-A-Wish donor who plays an essential role in the charity’s mission of creating life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Nominees for this prestigious recognition come from all 57 chapters of the organization and are evaluated based on lifetime giving, total years of engagement and support, and overall advocacy for the Make-A-Wish mission.
Julie Durr accepts the award on behalf of the Gerdin Family.Make-A-Wish
Through the Gerdin Charitable Foundation, which is rooted in the legacy of Russ and Ann Gerdin and led today by their children, the family has made a transformational impact on Make-A-Wish Iowa, the organization said.
In 2023, the foundation pledged $3.5 million to the chapter’s Dreams Come True Fund, marking its second major commitment and helping realize nearly 250 wishes over a five-year time frame.
"Our family feels an overwhelming sense of gratitude to be part of the Make-A-Wish organization,” said Julie (Gerdin) Durr. “There is no decision more natural or meaningful for us than helping children, especially those facing serious illness. Our deepest hope is that one day, Make-A-Wish will no longer be needed because every child in the world will be healthy and free from pain. Until that day comes, we are committed to doing everything we can to support Make-A-Wish and the incredible hope it brings to children and their families. This work touches our hearts deeply, reminding us to give back when we can and be thankful every day for the ability to help where we can."
Sara Kurovski, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish Iowa, said the Gerdin family’s generosity has not only expedited the wish granting for kids in Iowa "at a time where we have over 300 kids fighting a critical illness, but it has also inspired others to believe in the life-changing power of a wish,” she said “Their leadership, compassion and love for the mission set the gold standard for philanthropy in Iowa.”
Beyond philanthropy, the family also champions the mission by attending events, promoting awareness, and following each funded wish through a custom “star portal” that maps the stories and locations of wishes granted, reinforcing philanthropic values across generations.
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