Chicago Businessman, Politician Gives Away $200,000 Worth Of Gas

Chicago businessman and politician Dr. Willie Wilson announced that he would begin giving away $200,000 worth of gas money to participating gas stations at $50 per user as gas prices rise across the country.

“The soaring price of gas has caused a hardship for too many of our citizens. The average price of regular gas has gone well over $4 a gallon for the first time in nearly 14 years and is now up nearly 50% from last year,” Wilson said in a media advisory on his reason for contributing $200,000 to participating gas stations.

Wilson, D-Ill., has run unsuccessfully for multiple political and lawmaking positions including the mayor of Chicago, a U.S. Senate seat from Illinois, and he even ran a campaign for president.

Wilson, 73, is a businessman who has owned and operated McDonald’s outlets. He was a McDonald’s manager for years before the restaurant chain gave him a loan, which started him on a business career. He also owns Omar Medical Supplies, which imports and distributes medical and safety supplies and equipment, notably latex gloves.

He also produces “Singsation,” a national gospel music television program. His offer to give away $200,000 worth of gas started at 7 a.m. CT and will last until the $200,000 runs out.

Local news outlets have reported traffic in areas where Wilson identified participating gas stations in the media release by name and location in Chicago.