For the past six years, Corporate Farmer, Inc. of Mason City has had a relationship with the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Iowa, donating funds to grant at least one wish per year.  Each year, their passion for the Foundation grows.

Corporate Farmer, Inc. is a tax consulting firm for farmers, specializing in family farm corporations.  Since 1974, they have been providing bookkeeping, tax preparation and tax planning services.  The company has clients in eleven states and one office in Mason City.

The company began its relationship with the Make-A-Wish Foundation when they were asked to participate in the local Make-A-Wish golf benefit.  The experience was great and they now have two four-man teams in the event. 

Employees of Corporate Farmer have volunteered at local fundraisers and helped with event planning the golf tournament in Mason City and playing in other tournaments across the state.  They also help with Mason City’s Wish Ride, a motorcycle ride fundraiser in the area.

Dennis Van Gorkom, President & CEO for Corporate Farmer, is also an active board member for the Chapter.  Van Gorkom supports fundraisers throughout the state and can often be seen at other area committee events.  He has even sold and purchased raffle tickets for the Des Moines Gala’s annual car raffle.  Van Gorkom also supports his local committee by donating billboard space to advertise their events.

“The idea of helping these wish kids keeps us motivated.  It is a real feel good.  We would like to cure their problem, of course, but making a special moment for them is very rewarding,” says Van Gorkom.

Knowing that the work they do can pay dividends, like raising and saving money to help local wish kids, makes them proud of the work they are doing.  They especially enjoy actually granting wishes, describing the process of planning and granting the wish as “overwhelming.”

Van Gorkom and Corporate Farmer, Inc. have been awarded the Individual Fundraiser of the Year and Big Dipper Awards at the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Iowa’s annual conference.