Wednesday, December 10, 2014

And We’re Off!

It’s been a great start, so far!  The bags are filling and the cash is rolling in! A huge special “Thank You” to Balance Health & Injury Clinic for hosting the Challenge Game Night!  Approximately 34,000 pounds of food were collected (that’s how much SnowCap can buy with $1,700) from this spectacular event!  And everyone had a great time!!

Another special “Thank You” we send out to Riverview Community Bank on Burnside!  They hosted a Fill-A-Bag Dinner and Auction last Wednesday night.  We’re still waiting for the numbers but we’re sure it was a great success as well!!

If you’d like to help, there are donation jars at these locations: Balance Health & Injury Clinic, Birch
Community Services, Gresham Outlook, Nancy’s Floral, Human Solutions, Gresham Chrysler, Farmers Insurance-Rick Stubblefield, MBank, iCandy, Farmers Insurance-Spencer Lund, JR Furniture, Small Business Development Center, Eastco, Gresham Integrated Care, Kevin Minkoff CPA, Gresham Sign Solutions and Gresham Ford.

Remember, for every $1, SnowCap can purchase 20 pounds of food from the Oregon Food Bank so those dollars go a long, long way!

And don’t forget to pick up your last minute gifts and get your packages wrapped at Gresham Ford next Thursday, December 18th, 12pm-8pm benefitting the Gresham Barlow Education Foundation as well!

We couldn’t do this without this amazing, graciously generous community! A big “Thank You” to everyone that has come out to the events, filled bags and donated cash.  There are so many in need and through the hearts of this community, we’ll make a difference this Holiday Season!  Thank you all!!

Friday, December 5, 2014

Ribbons and Bows

Hurry, scurry!  Hustle, bustle! The season of cheer crashes in with the bell ringers ringing, the carolers caroling, reindeer flying, wrapping paper wrinkling, cookies baking and oh, my goodness, I forgot Aunt Sally!! Not to worry!!  We have just the answer for you!

Thanks to Sue Piazza, there’s an event happening at Gresham Ford, Final Touches Holiday Event.  Let us do the gift wrapping for you.  And for those last minute, “oh my goodness I forgot moments”, there’ll be Christmas Cut-out Cookies ready to decorate, Floral Arrangements, Gifts and other Goodies!  Also, there will be some wonderful Holiday Stockings for him, her and the kids donated by local businesses.

And don’t forget to purchase your ticket for a chance to win a 2014 Vespa S50!  Who wouldn’t want that?  Go online: http://www.gbefkids.org/events-2014/ or stop by the service cashier at Gresham Ford.

The drawing will be held at 7:25pm the night of the event and you NEED NOT TO BE PRESENT TO WIN!  All funds will benefit the Gresham Barlow Education Foundation 20/Twenty Fund.  Additionally, every dollar earned will be matched up to $20,000.  This is a great way to get all those last minute gifts and goodies to complete your holiday and help our schools in the process.

So, put this on your hurry, scurry, hustle, bustle calendar!  December 18th, 12 noon to 8pm at Gresham Ford, 1999 E Powell Blvd.  Take a breath, sit back and let us finish it up!!  We got it handled!

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Tis the Season...

Fill A Bag & Help Stop Hunger
Is your church or non-profit organization looking for a way to help those in our community that may be a little less fortunate this Holiday Season?  Well, here’s the answer for you.  The Fourth Annual Fill-A-Bag food drive for SnowCap Community Charities is in full swing! If you’d like to pick up a stack of bags to take to your church or organization stop by Gresham Ford.  We’re open until midnight and you can pick them up anytime.

You can drop the filled bags at Riverview Community Bank on Burnside, Gresham Ford, Stamp-Connection or Balance Health & Injury Clinic.  SnowCap not only benefits greatly from all the food donations, but the cash donations are an even better blessing.  For every $1 donated, SnowCap can purchase 20 pounds of food!!  That’s $.05 a pound!! There is an envelope attached to each bag if you’d like to mail in your contributions or you can also donate online at: http://www.snowcap.org/Donate.aspx.

Another great annual event that is happening is “A Celebration of Thanksgiving” presented by Adventist Health.  This Annual Thanksgiving concert highlighting a commitment to hope and healing features Wayne Watson and Susan Ashton.  Admission is free with your donated nonperishable food items, but a ticket is required as space is limited.  All donations will benefit the Oregon Food Bank.  Tickets are available at Gresham Ford, but they’re going fast.  It will be held at New Hope Community Church, 11731 SE Stevens Rd, Happy Valley, November 22 at 7pm.

So, as we approach the Season of all Seasons, remember you can Fill-A-Bag or attend a concert and
make a difference!

Are you Up for the Challenge?

Every year, local businesses work together organizing and facilitating the Annual Fill-A-Bag food drive, benefiting our local food bank, SnowCap Community Charities.  Last year alone, over 500,000 pounds of food were collected for SnowCap feeding East County families for at least three months.

Fill-A-Bag begins with a bag folding party.  The bags are folded and then a letter and envelope are stapled to them explaining the program and these are then inserted into The Outlook newspaper and
distributed to 10,000 residents.  The Outlook has been a huge supporter and partner in making this drive so successful.  The insert date this year will be November 18th, so keep an eye out for those bags in your local paper.

Or, if you’d like to stop by and pick up a bag, Riverview Community Bank on Burnside, Gresham Ford, Stamp Connection or Balance Health & Injury Clinic will all have them available.

So, this brings us to the “challenge” part!  We’ve added something new to the mix this year. Balance 
Health & Injury Clinic had this fabulous idea of a “Challenge Game Night”.  How this works is, different businesses set up a challenge/game at their respective booth.  Each person wanting to play will accumulate points and prizes for each game.  The person that has the most points at the end will win the grand prize (TBD).  Stamp Connection, Bass Federation, Native Wine Rock, Thunder Elite Gym, Gresham Ford and Balance Health are just a few of the sponsors that will have fun and entertaining challenges.  Tickets will be purchased to play the games with all proceeds to benefit SnowCap.

Come on out, November 14th, 5-8:30pm at 1217 NE Burnside Rd, Ste 301, Gresham, if you’re up for it!

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Fill A Bag Folding Party Tonight!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Community Food Drive to Benefit Snow/Cap
East County Fill-A-Bag Kick Off 2014

Gresham, Oregon, November 7, 2014 – Residents are invited to help combat hunger this winter by participating in the efforts among local businesses to fill SnowCap Community Charities’ food pantry.

On Friday November 7th, Gresham Ford, Riverview Community Bank, Stamp Connection, Balance Health & Injury Clinic, The Outlook, Gresham Rotary & Lions, Greater Gresham Baptist and Drake’s 7 Dees will kick off the fourth annual Fill-A-Bag Program, with a goal of collecting more than 300,000 pounds of food during the program’s run, which is through Friday January 2nd, 2015.  Residents will find a bag for non-perishable donations in an upcoming issue of The Outlook as well as an envelope for financial contributions.  For every $1 donated, SnowCap can purchase 20 pounds of food.

In addition, Gresham Ford, located at 1999 E Powell Blvd, will be hosting the Gresham Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center combined with North Clackamas Chamber of Commerce morning AM meeting at 7am.  There will be a raffle drawing and for every entry for the drawing, Gresham Ford will donate $1 to SnowCap.  Gresham Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center and North Clackamas Chamber of Commerce have also designated the 50/50 proceeds from the morning meeting to go to SnowCap.

Community members who would like to donate non-perishable food items can take them to Gresham Ford, Stamp Connection, Drake’s 7 Dees, Riverview Community Bank, Greater Gresham Baptist Church, The Outlook and Balance Health & Injury Clinic.  For more information, call Gresham Ford at 503-665-0101.

# # #


Contact:
Amy Williamson


Gresham Ford 


503.407.6764


awilliamson@greshamford.com




Tuesday, October 28, 2014

A Beautiful Vespa.....

For the past 20 years members of the Gresham Barlow Education Foundation have worked tirelessly to provide funds (20 years=3.9 million) for a multitude of extra services, enhanced curriculum, and special equipment for the students of the district. In addition, during this time they have been working on building an endowment fund of $1 million dollars that would provide perpetual funding for scholarships and grants for the district.

Recently, in light of that goal, the President of the Foundation, Vince Patrick, on behalf of he and his wife Lindsay have pledged a matching grant of $20,000 to the Foundation to get that fund to a million dollars. As a local Mortgage Broker and graduate of Barlow High School he understands how important a quality education is to our community. So, how can we all help obtain this gracious offer to benefit our community’s kids?

Well you can “Win A Vespa” – a maximum of 500 tickets will be sold at $20 each from now until
December 18th Ford and purchase tickets from the cashier or contact any GBEF board member or go online at http://www.gbefkids.org/events-2014/, drawing to be held at 7:15pm. You can see the Beautiful Vespa displayed at Gresham.

Thank you to Bill Place of Milwaukie Vespa for partnering with us to make this happen.

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

One Day that Made A Difference

For all those that put their lives on the line and come home to, sometimes, less than favorable situations and circumstances, here was a day, for some, that may have been a bright spot.  Last Saturday, October 18th The Chapel in Troutdale served a total of 202 vets with an outpouring of volunteer services and opportunities that they may not otherwise have any access to. Haircuts, dental care, cookies from the VFW Women’s Auxiliary, rides from Ride Connection, food, clothing, and the list goes on. 375 meals were served by volunteers with food provided by Birch Community Services, Safeway, and Portland Stand Down with other various donations from Susan Roobish, Hillsboro Elks, Kirk Robinson, The Tuenes, American Legion, VFW 180, Daniel Elam and Gresham Ford. Every branch of the military was represented that day and family and friends as well.

How can we really give back to those that have sacrificed so much. In the hopes that this one day made a difference and that they felt we, as a community cared, for at least for one day was the true heart and soul of every person that has planned, worked, and given months in preparation for. On the grand scale and all things being as they are, it may seem to pale in comparison to all they have given, but in this small way, we all say “Thank You” to all those that have served, fought and given their very lives for us.


Thursday, October 16, 2014

Fill’er Up for SnowCap!

It’s that time again!!  The Annual SnowCap Community Charities Fill-A-Bag food drive is gearing up to hit it hard again this year!!  Last year, thanks to our amazing community members and local businesses, over 500,000 pounds of food were donated during the Fill-A-Bag campaign.  Spearheaded by Riverview Community Bank, Gresham Ford, Stamp Connection, Drake’s 7 Dees, Balance Health & Injury Clinic, The Outlook, Gresham Lions, Gresham Rotary and Greater Gresham Baptist Church, we are looking for a great program this season!! 
Here’s some dates to remember so far: November 6th, Fill-A-Bag Folding Party at Gresham Ford 5-9pm, November 7th Fill-A-Bag Kick Off Gresham Chamber AM at Gresham Ford 7am, November 12th Burgerville 10% to SnowCap night 5-8pm, November 14th Balance Health Challenge Game Night (location TBD) 5-8:30pm, December 4th Burgerville 10% to SnowCap night 5-8pm and December 9th Fill-A-Bag Dinner hosted by Riverview Community Bank.
Fill A Bag at Gresham Ford

Something new we’re doing this year is the Challenge Game Night hosted by Balance Health & Injury Clinic.  Local businesses will set up a booth and have a game pertaining to their business.  Points will be accumulated as participants complete each game.  There will be prizes to be won at each booth and at the end of the night, the person with the most points from all the games, will win the GRAND PRIZE!  So, whether you’re a business wishing to participate or someone just up for a challenge, it’s going to be great fun, with all proceeds for the event going to SnowCap!  For more information please call Caterina Robertson at 503-492-2625.

So, get these dates on your calendar and help us Fill Those Bags for SnowCap again this year!

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

One Person CAN Make a Difference!

Last year, Karen Johnston of All About Automotive spearheaded a local School Supplies Drive that has encompassed the whole community. Under the umbrella of the GBEF (Gresham Barlow Education Foundation) she began a campaign that raised $10,000 worth of school supplies and roughly $1,200 in cash donations. And that was just the first year. Going into the second year, there has been $27,000 worth of school supplies, $1,500 cash donations and it’s still coming in! The outpouring of generosity has just been overwhelming.

The businesses that participated in housing the drop off bins;, Gresham Family Chiropractic, US Bank on Powell, Riverview Community Bank, Keybank (both Gresham & Troutdale locations), Gresham Ford, Origin’s Coffee & Tea House, Burns Feed Store, Cascade Athletic Club (both locations) and ReStore –Habitat for Humanity. Donations were also received from SnowCap Community Charities who distributes 600lbs of school supplies to each school district every year.

It took just one person, with a huge heart, to make a difference in our community for our kids! Thank you Karen Johnston and all the businesses and organizations for giving our kids a much needed boost into their school year. Now Karen is off to her next project and we’re proud to partner with her for the 2014 Fall Drive 4 UR School event which will benefit Gresham Gopher Spirit Club, Barlow Girls Basketball and Barlow Varsity Baseball! Mark your calendars; September 20th; 10am-4pm right here at Gresham Ford!

Thursday, September 4, 2014

Thank you and Keep Them Coming!

Just got off the phone with Susan Bowker aka Nana and there have been nearly 7,000 Post Cards
received that express happy thoughts, hope, joy and love for all the students, staff and teachers at
Reynolds High School. Yesterday, prior to school starting, some of these Post Cards were read for the first time by some teachers and staff and their response was “Keep them coming!”.

There are some great stories involved in these cards:
• A High School in North Dakota that wrote out a bunch of Post Cards and then laid them out on
the football field spelling HOPE and took an aerial photo to share with Reynolds HS.

• Local business Stamp Connection’s staff took special time to make each of their Post Cards a
work of art.

• Local High School Student Cezanne inspired 300 others to mail cards!

• They have come in from all over the country from young and old alike.

But this is the deal. We need to keep them coming – so in case you missed the article on the front of the Outlook on Tuesday, please go online to the Outlookonline.com and read the story about Susan’s (Nana) plan to shower Reynolds High School with “Happy Thoughts” – then send this story on to friends and family far and near and encourage them to send a Post Card – if you do not have a Post Card just write your thought on an envelope and mail it to: HOPE, P.O. BOX 9, TROUTDALE, OR 97060!!!

P.S. Thanks to all that participated in the ALS challenge at Gresham Ford – your efforts will provide 8 new wheel chairs to local ALS patients!  If you missed it check out the Gresham Ford Youtube channel.  

Thursday, August 28, 2014

Ice Buckets on Wheels...

So, everyone, I’m sure, has seen the millions of videos of people drowning themselves with ice water and challenging others to do the same, right? It has been amazing to see this epidemic circle the whole country and how everyone has come together to promote research for those suffering from ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) or more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Well, Gresham Ford has accepted this challenge as well, but we decided to do things a little differently. Trying to keep things local, we’re giving and accepting donations that will go directly to people in our area that are suffering from this disease in the form of wheel chairs. So far, we’ve collected $200, which at our discounted rate of $150 per chair; we’ve purchased 1 and 1⁄4 chairs! Through our good friends at Adventist Hospice, we are targeting people right here so if you’ve seen all the icing going on but not really sure how you can help, here’s how! Come on down to Gresham Ford, make your check payable to “Adventist Hospice” and partner with us, keeping it local once again, helping the ALS sufferers right in our own back yard.

On another note, the first day of school is right around the corner. Don’t forget our Reynolds High students that are returning for the first time since the shooting. Sending that Happy Thought to give them encouragement and hope, will make the best of a bad situation possible. Write just a word or phrase on an envelope, or come by Gresham Ford and pick up a card that we’ve made especially for this, and send to; HOPE, P.O. Box 9, Troutdale, OR 97060, or go online to; http://www.prayersforreynolds.com/.

Remember as Peter Pan says, “Happy Thoughts make you fly”!!

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Coffee Fair at Origins Coffee House in Gresham

Just noticed that the “Try Local Tuesday” is going to be at “Origin’s Coffee House” (Located in the Gresham Town Fair Shopping Center/Eastman Parkway & Division) - as we all know “Try Local Tuesday” promotes shopping and dining at local businesses. There are lots of reasons for this but the location of the Tuesday -September 2nd who has taken the time to give back to the Community in a way that will benefit and inform all those who visit this establishment.

Adam Reid and his wife Maria have done lots of research with the help of the Gresham Historical Society to locate pictures of the Fairgrounds that were located on the current “Fair” Shopping Center. They have them beautifully displayed in their establishment and even if the coffee, tea, chocolates and gelato were not some of the best in town, these historical photographs in themselves, would truly be a reason to visit this business. Adam and staff are happy to describe a few interesting facts about each display.

For you old-timers, a great chance to reminisce and for those a little not so old, a chance to glance back in history!  In addition, there is a large map of the world on the wall and pictures in conjunction with it describing where the coffee’s served “originated”! Thus, “Origins”!! Origins of the history of our colorful and unique community and origins of unique and specialized products carefully raised to ensure fair-wages, sustainable practices, educational opportunities, healthcare, and business development.

Bring a friend and stop by “Origins” anytime but would love to see you on “Try Local Tuesday”!  4:30—6:00 p.m. is a grand example of a small business owner

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

You are in our “Happy Thoughts!” Reynolds High School Staff and Students



Puppies, smiles, cookies, laughter, babies, mom, dad, son, sunshine, flowers, music, fresh baked bread, joy, peace, peaches, kisses, hugs, freedom, church, friends, family, brother, sister, teacher, birds, singing, rain, dancing, fishing, bowling, tennis, golf, pie, Christmas, grand-daughter, cousin, sailboats, cheerful , apple, games, blue, Ford, chocolate, Santa, birthday, Smurfs, Thanksgiving, poems, jokes, good, raspberries, faith, Easter, swing set, yellow, butterfly, husband, jokes, swim, driving, letters, pink, daughter, grand-son, aunt, uncle, hearts, bubbles, hula hoops, records, Elvis, running, walking, balloons, jewels, piano, grandmother, grandfather, breakfast, horse, football, basketball, train, bicycle, charms, notes, tea, Valentines, gifts, garden, lawn, house, home, pets, caretaker, goodwill, angels, miracles, marshmallows, flying, wind, giving, sharing, snow, waterfall, Mt. Hood, sushi, velvet, glitter, Pepsi, vacation, Hawaii, purple, Sesame Street, ........
Susan Bowker AKA Nana

Those are a hundred or so of my happy thoughts....my dear friend Susan Bowker a.k.a. Nana has come up with a great “happy” idea. The Students at Reynolds High School will soon be returning to classes and we would like to encourage you to share a happy thought with them. It’s simple. Write a “Happy Thought” on a postcard (or if you do not have one just write it on the back of an envelope) and mail it to HOPE, P.O. Box 9, Troutdale, OR 97060. We have lots of postcards at Gresham Ford so stop by and pick some up - we will even mail them for you. While we can’t change what happened – we can make every student, teacher and support staff know they are valued and that they are in our “happy thoughts”.

Click Here to read Susan's article that was published in the Gresham Outlook.

Monday, July 28, 2014

Something to Sink Your Teeth Into

Are you hungry yet? Well’ here’s something to “Bite” into!! The 2nd

Saturday, July 26th

OR). The Bite of East County is a fun celebration of East County, its culture, its food, its people and its

extraordinary quality of life. There will be seating and tables, but you are welcome to bring a blanket to

spread on the ground if you wish.

A vast variety of food vendors this year featuring, Alexander, Bumper’s Bar & Grill, Corbett Country

Market, G Goodies, Joy Teriyaki, La Mixteca Taqueria and Nicholas. With desserts by J Gelati Italian

Ice and Frozen Custard and Liberated Bakery, just to name a few!! And of course Skyland Pub will

managing the Beer Garden serving Coors Light, Raspberry Wheat and Blue Moon for the unfiltered

wheat beers....Mirror Pond and RPM IPA or Hop Venom (from Boneyard) for the microbrews.

This year Bite of East County will feature Midlyfe Crisis and several local bands.

The best part is that the Bite of East County is a fund raiser for Zarephath Kitchen & Pantry. Zarephath

serves hot meals 6 days a week and provides food boxes for families in need in East County. Last year

the Pantry and Kitchen served over 180,000 meals.

So, come on down to Gresham Ford tonight (and we’re open until midnight), bring a jar of peanut

butter, non-perishable food item, or cash donation and you’ll receive two, that’s right, TWO tickets ($10

value) to this family friendly, summertime fun. It’s tomorrow! Bring family, friends, neighbors, even co-
workers for a fabulous evening in the park. Together we can help feed the hungry here in East County!

 Annual Bite of East County is this

 from 11:00am to 7:30pm at Columbia Park (1900 SW Cherry Park Rd, Troutdale,

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Gresham Ford Logo

1999 East Powell Blvd. Gresham, OR 97080  |   503-665-0101  |   GreshamFord.com

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Feed It Forward – Peanut Butter!


Next Saturday is the Gresham Arts Festival and it should be bigger and better than ever.  A great place and time to purchase from local artisans and also an opportunity to shop in Historic Downtown Gresham.   As someone who tries to go often to the Downtown Farmer’s Market, it seems like there is something new on Main Street weekly.  Billy Bob’s and Frenzi Yogurt now have new outdoor eating areas.  There is a new Pita Shop and a great new Mexican restaurant on 4th Street.  We had a great breakfast last week at Wildwood Café.  And who can live without the Carmel Corn at I-Candy!


Ok, so how does Peanut Butter pay it forward?  Well, you bring Peanut Butter or any food/monetary donation to our booth at the Gresham Arts Festival (we will be located at the corner of 3rd & Miller) and it will be given and matched to Snow Cap.  Then you will also be given a ticket to enter the “Bite of East County” on July 26th FREE ($5 value) – when you turn your ticket in at the “Bite” Gresham Ford will donate $5 to Zarapath Kitchen who has been graciously feeding kids this summer who are without the school lunch program.

So, come celebrate the Gresham Arts Festival next Saturday and take a run thru the new fountain (I have not done this yet and can’t wait) – of course do not forget to “Feed It Forward!”  


Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Bless America this 4th of July

In 1922, Henry Ford organized a cross-country caravan of 50 Model T Fords to take veterans to the annual DAV convention in San Francisco and began a relationship with the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) organization that continues to this day.
Ford’s philosophy of inclusion was shared by his grandson, Henry Ford II. Near the end of World War II, and especially in its aftermath, numerous wounded and disabled veterans were flooding back into the workforce. Henry Ford II understood that persons with disabilities, including returning veterans, wanted and deserved an equal chance to work and provided it. In fact, Henry Ford II was a founding member of the National Business and Disability Council, long before the U.S. government enacted laws requiring equal opportunity for persons with disabilities. 


With the upcoming 4th of July celebration I am reminded to be appreciative and give thanks to the service men and women of our great country.   The 4th of July should not be about sales, barbeques or the three day weekend but rather the heroes whose lives were sacrificed so that we may enjoy your loves, our liberty and the freedom to pursue our dreams.  While you spend this 4th of July weekend with your family please remember those families who have lost sons, daughters, husbands, wives, mothers and fathers while defending America.  Were it not for our brave veterans, there would be no land of the free.  Happy 4th of July from Gresham Ford!

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Thank you TIP of Portland and Vancouver

Gresham Ford's "Contribute to the Community" Program supports non-profits like TIP proudly
Thank you TIP!  There are no words to describe how deeply and sincerely we appreciate all of the wonderful people in our community for all the selfless acts on behalf of the students and staff at Reynolds High SchoolGresham Rotary made a generous donation to assist.  On Friday morning at the Gresham Area Chamberof Commerce A.M. event, sponsored by ServiceMasters, a warm and thoughtful prayer was given by retired Pastor Fuller and immediately after that event Christy Brewster and Sandra Forquer, each with their own careers, but take time to regularly volunteer with TIP (Trauma Intervention Program) were on their way to the Reynolds High School to assist with the emotions of students and teachers coming back to the school to clean their lockers or classrooms.  They have been trained to give emotional support in these situations and hats off to this great organization.  There are hundreds of others who have donated their time, talents and treasure to assist our community and please know that the difference you make – makes a difference. 

Thank you on behalf of our employees who had family members who were safely brought home.  Thank you to the countless others who stepped up in the days that have followed.

So, in that same light of making a difference, we are participating in the “Ford Peanut Butter Drive!”  It is part of Operation Better World and the Ford Focus (now that’s a nice car) on Child Hunger for 2014.  Why Peanut Butter?  Peanut Butter is a highly desirable staple for community food banks to feed kids, but it is expensive and thus difficult for them to acquire in the quantities needed during the summer months.  So at Gresham Ford this summer our goal is to help “Ford Feed Kids”!  Please join us by dropping off a jar of Peanut Butter at the Dealership - we will then match your jar!  It is a nutty idea but one that will make lots of kids smile.  And isn’t that what it is all about?  All donations will be delivered to our Food Bank partner for this promotion – SnowCap.


Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Summertime Fun in Gresham!


Are you looking for fun things to do with the family this summer? Well, if you live in or around the Gresham area, you will find that there is no shortage of fun, family friendly, inexpensive and entertaining things to do! From classic cars, food, arts and crafts, music and fresh local grown produce, you can find it all. Walking, biking, hiking or just enjoying some evening entertainment with family and friends, you’ll find the Gresham area has tons of summer fun to be had.

For example, Pharaoh’s Street Rodders Endless Summer Cruise in every Wednesday night, starting June
4th through September at Billy Bob’s right downtown Gresham. Third Thursday 5:30pm-8pm, an evening
of art, music and food featuring a different artist each month, beginning June 19th 2014 downtown Gresham. Skosh Japanese Festival III, 10am-4pm at the Japanese Garden in the Main  City Park. Music Monday at the Gresham Arts Plaza, every Monday starting July 7th 2014, 6:30pm-8pm. And don’t forget the annual Gresham Arts Festival, July 19th from 9am-5pm!

And then of course we have one of the best Farmer’s and Saturday Markets around, every Saturday,
downtown Gresham and the K-Mart parking lot from 8:30am-2pm! Some of the best local fruits,
veggies, grass fed beef, arts and crafts, music and fresh flowers you’ll find anywhere! And it’s all right here in Gresham!

There is so much going on, I don’t have enough room to list it all, so for the rest of the story, go to www.exploregresham.com! There’s just never a shortage of Summertime Fun here in Gresham!


Thursday, May 29, 2014

America the Beautiful

Gresham Ford is extending the Memorial Day Sellathon
As we pass Memorial Day I am so grateful for all of those that have served in our military that we might enjoy the freedoms we take for granted.  In many parts of the world I would not be able to write this column.  Just yesterday I read a headline about a woman, in a Middle Eastern country that was stoned to death without the right of trial or due process.   And, as a woman, there was a time in this country when we did not have the right to vote.  So, I just want to take a moment to publicly acknowledge how blessed and fortunate we (speaking on behalf of all of us here at Gresham Ford) are to live in this country, this community at this time.  To thank all of those that have gone before us and sacrificed so much so we can enjoy so many freedoms we so often take for granted. 
On that very patriotic note, I encourage you to visit www.BuildingForAmerica.org.   This organization BBAC (Building a BetterAmerica Council) simply promotes that by making a few simple changes in our purchasing habits – particularly in the area of construction, we can make a big difference in “livable” wage job creation.  Very interesting!

And, lastly a bit of shameless self-promotion – Ford MotorCompany’s Memorial Day Sale is still going on with some of the best combination offers (0% with big rebates and other financing and trade-in incentives) I have seen in a long time.   So, if you do not like your current car payment or the wheels are about to fall off your current ride, please give us the honor of serving you – I promise a no pressure presentation of product and payment!

Friday, May 16, 2014

Asking for an Electronic "Like"

I have a real friend to an electronic/virtual one who, several years ago, suffered a stroke.  With a great a great medical team (thank you Adventist), modern rehab facilities, dedication and a positive attitude - tomorrow she celebrates a near recovery by participating in the American Heart Associations "Heart and Stroke Walk".  Joining her will be friends like me who will walk the 1 mile survivor route - there is also a 5K for those who are inclined.
Bess needs your help

Of course, there is a fundraising component to this event but the goal is "heart health".  She and I are having a little contest and right now she is ahead in the money raising department so here is my challenge to you.  This article will be posted on the Gresham Ford Facebook page and for each of you that hit the "like" button, we will donate $1 for the first 250 "likes" for this great health cause.  My friend has already raised over $100 because she has asked her real friends to each give her $1.  She is really a lovely lady with lots of real friends - so help me out here - Please be my electronic friend and hit the like button so I can show her I have friends too!

Better yet, if you would like to walk - just show up Saturday May 17th at 8:30am at the Vera Katz Eastbank Esplanade in Portland and walk with us.  Go to www.PDXheartwalk.org for more information.  Funds raised from the event will go to health related causes sponsored by the American Heart Association.  Thank you  for all your help.