BNSF News

BNSF Hosts Community Business Car Trips for Local Youth Groups

2011-10-20

BNSF hosted a series of business car trips recently to support area youth.

On Oct. 15, more than 500 children and their families from the Make-A-Wish® Foundation were treated to a round-trip train ride on the BNSF business cars. On Oct. 16, youngsters from the Boys and Girls Club and other youth groups were also treated to rides on the BNSF business cars, and they received a special treat with a visit from U.S. Rep. Kay Granger.

These train rides were first held three years ago when a group of BNSF employees, led by Melissa Zamrzla, created a "Make-A-Wish Month" on the Fort Worth, Texas, campus. In addition to the train trip for the "Wish" children and their families, BNSF employees during a three-year period have contributed more than $16,000 to the organization.

"The support of our employees and management has been fantastic," said Zamrzla, chief dispatcher, Southwest Division. "Our goal in supporting this effort is consistent with the Make-A-Wish goal of creating miracles in the lives of some very extraordinary children."

The Make-A-Wish Foundation® of North Texas grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. In celebrating its 30th year, the organization has granted more than 6,200 wishes since its inception in 1982.

The Oct. 16 Boys and Girls Club afternoon trip featured a series of exhibits from the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematic organization to demonstrate to the youth participants the need to master these skills in preparation for the future.

"It is critical that our youth understand the technologies necessary and required to successfully compete in the global marketplace," said Birdie Sadberry, director, Planning and Administration, Mechanical, who coordinated the event for BNSF.

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BNSF Headquarters

BNSF Railway Company
2650 Lou Menk Dr. 2nd Floor
P.O. Box 961057
Fort Worth, TX 76161-0057
Phone: (817) 352-1000

For more information on the company and its transportation solutions, visit the BNSF Web site at www.bnsf.com