Monday, December 21, 2015

Oil feeds more than your engine.

We at Gresham Ford are so blessed to partner with other businesses in our community to work on projects that benefit the less fortunate throughout the year.   And when a business goes above and
beyond they should be recognized - so drum roll please – as we applaud Carson Oil and its employees
for going above and beyond to help “Fill-A-Bag” benefiting  SnowCap Community Charities.  They
wanted to do more than just write a check they wanted to get their employees involved -  and their employees wanted to get involved even better…so they collected non-perishable items (literally a truck load full) and took up a sizable donation (north of $1,000) to give to “Fill-A-Bag” for SnowCap.   And the most impressive part is this is just one of the many charitable projects they complete during the holiday season.

Carson Oil provides most of the oil and lubricant products here at Gresham Ford so when you have an oil change in our QuickLane, where we work on all makes and models and are open Monday thru Friday 7:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. (winter hours) and Saturdays 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., you are getting oil from a company that not only cares about the performance of your car but cares about your community also.

The morning that Shawn Ghods, Account Manager for Carson Oil showed up with all of this I unfortunately was tied up with auditors (you know all that year end stuff) so I was feeling over-regulated and wondering why do we do all this work – when regulations make it sometimes so difficult…when Shawn made me realize business is more than business-- it is about taking care of our
community….Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas from Gresham Ford proud to work with Carson Oil  a business that helps us serve our customers and our community!

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Fill-A-Bag and Help to End Hunger in East County

For the past several years, we’ve participated in the Fill-A-Bag Food drive for SnowCap Community
Charities.  And this year is no different!  Last week we kicked it off with the bag folding party so be looking for those bags in the Outlook newspaper as of the 17th.  Next, we have a few dates you might want to remember: November 1st-30th- Pay it Forward at Gresham Family Chiropractic, 575 NE 2nd St, Gresham, will donate $20 to SnowCap for every patient that comes in with a Fill-A-Bag filled with non-perishable items.
Fill A Bag 2015 Sponsored by Gresham Ford

November 28th-The Spirit of Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony with many fun activities for the kids during the day, Historic Downtown Gresham.  There will be a parade from downtown to the Center for the Arts Plaza at 4:30pm with the tree lighting at 5pm. For more information please call, Event Coordinator Shannon Chisom at 503-750-3785.

December 3rd  & 17th-10% of Sales between 5-8pm at Burgerville, 2975 NE Hogan Dr, Gresham, going to SnowCap.  Bring your families out for a great dinner and 10% will go to helping our neighbors right here in Gresham.

December 9th-Annual Fill-A-Bag Auction & Dinner at Riverview Community Bank, 225 NE Burnside Rd, Gresham, 6pm.  Please contact Larry Schwartz for more information, larryschwartz@riverviewbank.com (503) 912-5400.

December 11th-SnowCap Breakfast at Gresham Baptist Church, 3848 N.E. Division St., 7am.  Hosted by the Gresham Chamber of Commerce, the proceeds from this event will benefit SnowCap, My Father’s House and Human Solutions.  For more information please contact, Julie Hamatake at the Gresham Chamber of Commerce at julieh@greshamchamber.org or 503-665-1131.

January 7th-Casino Night at Balance Health & Injury Clinic, 1217 NE Burnside Rd #301, Gresham.  Details to follow.  For more information please contact, Caterina Robertson at 503-492-2625.

If anyone has any other events related to this food drive, please contact Bess Wills at Gresham Ford,
bess@greshamford.com, 503-665-0102.

You can also stop by many locations and drop off non-perishable food items or donate cash in the donation jars.  For a complete list please contact Kirsten Wageman at Kirsten@snowcap.org or 971-235-4504.

Friday, November 6, 2015

The holidays bring Fill-A-Bag benefiting Snow Cap and hungry East County Families

Fill A Bag Help to Stop Hunger Logo
The Holidays are right around the corner and it is the time of the year we reflect on Thanks and giving…and for both those reasons we are excited to again be a part of “Fill-A-Bag” or “Fill-An-Envelope”.  This effort benefits SnowCap our local Food Pantry for those needing a “hand”.   Local is the key word here….these are our friends and neighbors…working single moms that just need a little extra “food” resources to make it thru the month, a Senior Citizen whose winter utility bill makes it necessary for them to have to choose food or warmth.  

While cleaning out your pantry and giving extra staples and canned items to this food drive (bags will be inserted into the newspaper the week of November 17th) are always welcome.  However, if you are going shopping to “fill the bag” you might want to consider putting money in the attached envelop or going online to SnowCap.org and make a donation.   The reason being is that SnowCap as a charter member of the Oregon Food Bank  and because of the corporate generosity (Ford Motor Company is one of them) to the Oregon Food Bank they are able to purchase a pound for food for $.05.  You cannot duplicate that at your local market so even a $1 given to SnowCap will provide a family in our community 20 pounds of food.

One hundred years ago we would have put a basket of food together and taken it to the widow the next farm over who was unable to gather crops the previous summer because “giving” is a way to show “thanks” for being blessed.  Today we do not always know who our neighbors in need are but SnowCap does and they get almost 100% of the resources given them into the hands of those that need a good neighbor!  Watch for the “Fill-A-Bag” or “Fill-An-Envelope” in this newspaper soon and when you do please share if you can!  
Drive 4 UR Community Logo

P.S.  If you are reading this before 4:00 p.m.  today please come down to Gresham Ford and take a “no pressure” test drive and $20 will be donated to SnowCap on your behalf!  That’s 400 pounds of food!

Did you know?

As times are changing, the automotive industry has to find innovative ways to keep up and if you think about the evolution of the automobile, it’s pretty amazing how far we’ve come!  Can you imagine (especially as a women) riding in those first vehicles?  No windows, seats as hard as stone, no heat and while they did have springs of sorts, I would imagine you still got the wind knocked out of you if you hit a pothole too fast.

Well, we all know about gas vehicles, we know about hybrids and we know about electric powered
vehicles.  But did you know Ford has a vehicle that has the best of everything in the electric/battery/gas operated world?  Meet the Hybrid-Energi!  Full electric, fully gas and everything in between.  This special vehicle will hold a charge for approximately 20 miles of driving before kicking into the gas powered engine.  What that means is, if you only drive five miles to work everyday, you will never use a drop of gas!!!

So, you could drive to work, drive to the grocery store or maybe some other in town shopping and drive home!  Plug it into your cozy garage at night, and then drive right by all those gas stations smiling and waving!

So, to put this to the test, I have recently purchased a Ford Fusion Hybrid-Energi.  I filled it with gas, documented the miles and I plan to see how long it takes me before I need to get fuel again.  I will be doing updates so stay tuned here to find out how it’s going!

Happy Halloween everyone! Stay safe out there!

Monday, October 26, 2015

No Tricks , Just Treats!


Are you looking for some safe and fun Halloween activities for you and your kids this Jack-O-Lantern season?  Well here are some local ideas you might want to check out.

Come enjoy some "boo-tiful" classical music, dress in your favorite Halloween costume and join us for some "Spooktacular" kid-friendly fun. Riverview Community Bank proudly presents The Portland Columbia Symphony Orchestra's Symphonic, “Safari Goes Halloween”, October 25th at Parkrose High School, 12003 NE Shaver St, Portland at 3pm. Engage in hands-on pre concert arts, crafts, and activities.

And watch as the, “The Sorcerer's Apprentice” comes to life with puppets from Tears of Joy. Don’t miss this fun for the entire family!  Then you can head to downtown Gresham where every year The Historic Downtown Gresham Business Association blocks off the Gresham downtown Main Ave between 1st and 5th for a safe trick-or-treat event to celebrate Halloween. Bring the kids and join other families on Main Ave, Saturday October 31st from 4pm-6pm and and get candy from local merchants who are staying open to hand out tricks and/or treats.

And from there venture on over to Greater Gresham Baptist Church, 8848 NE Division, Gresham, for their “No Tricks, Just Treats” event, 6pm-8pm.  With games and cupcake decorating, hot cider, hot chocolate and coffee too, you’re sure to find something for the whole family.
Greater Gresham Baptist Church Halloween Event



“It's late and we are sleepy, the air is cold and still. Our jack-o-lantern grins at us upon the windowsill. We're stuffed with cake and candy, and we've had a lot of fun, but now it's time to go to
bed and dream of all we've done. And we'll dream of trick-or-treating on this happy Halloween”.-Author unknown

Friday, September 18, 2015

Sam Barlow and Gresham High Schools are Partnering with Gresham Ford for a fundraising event this Saturday!

What a great way to kick off our new school year!  Drive a brand new Ford and Ford Motor Company gives $20, per drive, to your school!!  For those of you who may not have heard of this program, it’s our Annual Drive 4 UR School event and it’s happening this Saturday (tomorrow) September 19th from 10am-4pm here at Gresham Ford (1999 E Powell Blvd, Gresham).  Every year Ford Motor Company partners with us for this amazing fundraiser, and all that’s required is a quick drive around the block, fill out a form that says that you did just that, and bam!! $20 goes to the school!  It’s free, it’s painless and it’s a lot of fun!

This year, Gresham Gopher Spirit Club, Barlow Girls Basketball and Boys Baseball will be the recipients of this generous offering!  And did I mention that there is a total of $6,000 that can be earned from this one day, this one event?  It’s true!  And all that it takes is a little bit of your time!

It’s easy, no pressure, but don’t take our word for it. “Even though we no longer have children in the
high school, I always try to participate in Gresham Ford’s Drive 4 UR School event because it helps the school so much and it’s a fun way to check out what’s new in cars without feeling an ounce of pressure from anyone.  It’s all about the students!  What a generous gesture this is from Ford Motor Co. to help schools financially and require such a minimal effort on our part”, says Crismon Lewis, a father of 9 children all who were taught in the Gresham-Barlow school system.

So, come on down to Gresham Ford tomorrow, drive a gorgeous brand new car and support our local
schools!  It’s as easy as that!!

Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Ford Warriors in Pink and Gresham Ford Launch Initiative to Help Bring More Good Days to Those Living with Breast Cancer

Ford Warriors In Pink at Gresham Ford

DEARBORN, Mich., May 19, 2015 Ford Motor Company, through its Warriors in Pink® campaign, today launches The Good Day Project – a powerful call to action to bring more good days to those living with breast cancer.

For more than two decades, Ford Warriors in Pink has been committed to the fight and continues to inspire women to be proactive about their breast health. The Good Day Project takes the program a step further – encouraging people to step up and help those who are battling the disease.

“Most breast cancer patients characterize their days by ‘good days’ and ‘bad days,’” said Tracy Magee, Ford Warriors in Pink brand manager. “While many people want to help, most are unsure of the best way to show their support. We want to change this.
#MoreGoodDays Ford Warriors in Pink & Gresham Ford

“Warriors in Pink is about driving awareness, and about motivating people to help in the battle against breast cancer,” added Magee. “With The Good Day Project, we hope to empower people to take real action and help provide more good days to those living with the disease.”

At the heart of the project are partnerships with Meal Train and Lyft to provide support services and resources that benefit those dealing with breast cancer and help make their day-to-day life easier.

The nationwide partnership with Meal Train – an online platform for organizing family and friends to bring meals to loved ones fighting breast cancer – allows users to gain free access to the premium service Meal Train Plus. The service not only helps organize meal deliveries, but other household needs such as errand services and childcare.

“We are thrilled to be joining forces with Ford Warriors in Pink to simplify the giving process,” said Michael Laramee, cofounder, Meal Train. “Our goal is to give users practical solutions that help provide the services they need on the days that are most helpful. Through this partnership, we hope to inspire more people to join the fight and grant small acts of kindness that lessen the burden for those living with the disease.”

Alongside the support services made available through Meal Train, Warriors in Pink will work with Lyft to offer surprise rides to and from appointments for some patients undergoing treatment. The ride-sharing service will be made available starting in June, and will roll out across 17 cities through select treatment centers. 

“Reliable transportation to and from treatment is a common challenge for patients,” said Kira Wampler, chief marketing officer, Lyft. “We are honored to be partnering with Ford Warriors in Pink to bring a dependable option to the many women seeking treatment this year.

“Together with Ford and Meal Train, we’ll help bring awareness to the small things people can do to support women fighting this disease,” added Wampler. “In the coming days, we’ll share details on how to donate a free Lyft ride to a patient in need – simply by showing your support.” 

In addition to the partnerships with Meal Train and Lyft, Ford Warriors in Pink has created new ideas, tips and tools as part of The Good Day Project to help people carry out simple acts that bring about more good days.

we hope to inspire more people to join the fight and grant small acts of kindness that lessen the burden for those living with the disease.”

Alongside the support services made available through Meal Train, Warriors in Pink will work with Lyft to offer surprise rides to and from appointments for some patients undergoing treatment. The ride-sharing service will be made available starting in June, and will roll out across 17 cities through select treatment centers. 

“Reliable transportation to and from treatment is a common challenge for patients,” said Kira Wampler, chief marketing officer, Lyft. “We are honored to be partnering with Ford Warriors in Pink to bring a dependable option to the many women seeking treatment this year.

“Together with Ford and Meal Train, we’ll help bring awareness to the small things people can do to support women fighting this disease,” added Wampler. “In the coming days, we’ll share details on how to donate a free Lyft ride to a patient in need – simply by showing your support.” 

In addition to the partnerships with Meal Train and Lyft, Ford Warriors in Pink has created new ideas, tips and tools as part of The Good Day Project to help people carry out simple acts that bring about more good days.we hope to inspire more people to join the fight and grant small acts of kindness that lessen the burden for those living with the disease.”

Ford Warriors In Pink at Gresham Ford
Additional details and resources can be found at www.fordcares.com. These include:

  • A free postcard mailing service launching in June; visitors can customize a message that Warriors in Pink will send to their loved ones
  • A list of books of encouragement selected by those who have had experience with breast cancer
  • Spotify playlist with songs of encouragement and empowerment
  • Advice from Warriors in Pink Models of Courage members on how to get through the hard days of treatment, along with inspiring ways to celebrate the good days  
  • Health and financial information from the four charity partners of Ford Warriors in Pink The Pink Fund, Susan G. Komen, Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation and Young Survival Coalition
  • An opportunity to win various “good day” experiences from flowers to relaxing spa treatments and even a grand prize of an all-new Ford Mustang

Supporting The Good Day Project is singer and songwriter Andy Grammer, whose mother died from breast cancer six years ago. Grammer recently joined Warriors in Pink in a visit to The Margie Petersen Breast Center in Los Angeles, surprising more than 50 cancer patients with a touching performance.

“We learned of my mother’s breast cancer very late, and because of that I feel it’s important to be a part of the awareness movement,” said Grammer. “I want people to know that it does not have to be all bad. You are reminded that it only takes a moment to show someone how much you love them, and these small moments can help influence their outlook.”

For more than 20 years, Ford Motor Company has worked to advance the conversation around breast cancer – inspiring the next generation of warriors in the fight, while continuing to fuel the spirit of those living with the disease. To date, Ford has contributed more than $128 million to the cause.

Gresham Ford has chosen to help the Gresham area since 2003 with the "Contribute to the Community" Program that allows customers of the Oregon Ford Dealership support those charities that are closest to their hearts.  
Contribute to the Community at Gresham Ford



Wednesday, August 5, 2015

Rockin' Around the Block Car Show in Downtown Gresham

Rockin’ Good Time and the summer fun just keeps coming!!  This Saturday, tomorrow, August 8th in Historic Downtown Gresham, the 17th Annual Rockin’ Around the Block Car Show is happening!  From 8am-5pm some of the best show cars you’ll ever lay eyes on will be right here, rockin’ around the block for all to see!  And they’ll be lots of great music, food and all sorts of fun for the whole family!  

Also, the Gresham Farmers Market will be in full swing as well!  So, no matter what, there’s something for everyone!This car show, which has run for 17 years straight, has donated $146,000 so far, to the Mt Hood Community College Ford ASSET program.  For those not familiar with this program, the Ford Automotive Student Service Educational Training (ASSET) is an Associate of Applied Science degree curriculum designed to provide technically competent, professional level technicians for Ford dealerships.  MHCC is offering this opportunity in partnership with the Ford Motor Company.  This is a fantastic program that gives students lifelong skills that will generate for them a means with which to sustain a productive life style and hopefully pass on a passion for all things mechanical to our next generation.

So, for the love of our future automotive technicians, come on out, support the Mt Hood Community College Ford ASSET program, hear some great music and just have an all around great time.  And don’t forget to stop by the Gresham Ford booth and say hello.  We’ll be on 3rd street across from Sunny Han’s. We have some great giveaways and a drawing that you won’t want to miss!  See you there!

Thursday, July 30, 2015

Pedal Cars and Sheryl Crow

Remember those adorable pedal cars that you’ve seen in Grandma’s pictures?  Or maybe you even
remember having one of your own and how grown up you felt as you pedaled your way around the yard.  Whatever the case may be, those were days, were they not?  This summer we’ve been privileged to be a part of the Brasher’s Backstage Concert event which included an auction of the most adorable pedal cars this side of the Rockies, ours being the bright orange mustang, of course!
Ford Mustang Pedal Car Donation from Gresham Ford

We were one of 12 dealerships in the area that donated pedal cars for this auction. It was a sight to see.  The children of the employees at our own Brasher’s Auto Auction in Wood Village participated as the drivers of the cars wearing special vests and looking oh so sporty!  What fun they had, and the best part, they raised $13,000 which benefited Katie’s Kause for Cystic Fibrosis and the Boy Scouts of America!

We want to extend a special “Thank You” to Jerry Hinton, General Manager of Brasher’s Auto Auction.  It was his deep commitment to this community and the huge hearts of all his employees that made all this possible.  And as a result, the overwhelming generosity exhibited by the dealerships and the dealers themselves as they would donate their pedal cars back into the auction to be sold again and again was truly amazing!  What a great community we live in!!
2015 Brasher's Backstage Concert with Sheryl Crow

Katie's Kause for Cystic Fibrosis provides financial assistance and emotional support to families facing financial hardships based on overwhelming medical needs for their cystic fibrosis child. They provide financial aid to families in the Washington and Oregon area. For more information please visit:  http://www.katieskause.org/

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

To Tease Your Taste Buds this Saturday!

2015 Bite of East COunty

Food just tastes better here!!  Once again, The Bite of East County is coming to town!  Get ready for an amazing assortment of savory and sweet food offerings to satisfy your palate!  Everything from Bumpers Grill & Bar to Corbett Country Market with desserts and delicacies in between!  Are you hungry yet?
Bite of East County Food

Come help us celebrate East County’s culinary offerings with mouth watering menu items by some of Oregon’s finest.  Whether it’s a sampling of small plates or enjoying a full meal the choices are varied, delicious and plentiful!

If you haven’t experienced this before, you won’t want to miss it!  This year will feature three different bands playing music throughout the day as well!  Fun, food and festivities for all!!

2015 Bite of East County Music

The best part about this event is it’s a fund raiser for Zarephath Kitchen & Pantry which runs a soup kitchen and food pantry for those in need here in East County.  Last year over 180,000 meals were served.

So, come one, come all!  Join us on July 25th for the 3rd Annual Bite of East County, Columbia Park, also known as Imagination Station, 1900 SW Cherry Pard Rd, Troutdale, Oregon.  Doors open at 12 noon.

We have tickets here at Gresham Ford (we’d love to give you at no charge), so drop by anytime!!

Remember we’re open until Midnight for all your service needs, so come on down, get your oil changed and pick up some tickets for this great event!  See you soon!!

2015 Bite of East County Sponsors

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Cruise at the College and the Gresham Arts Festival

We know there are a million things to do this summer but this is one more thing you need to add to your “must do” list.  Sunday July 19th, 11am-4pm at Mt Hood Community College, we are proud to be a sponsor of the “Cruise the College” car show.  Hosted by the Mt Hood Mustangs and Fords Club, it’s a day of fun for all ages.  There are goodie bags for the first 250 attendees, music provided by Cruisin’ Tunes, over 45 trophies will be awarded, a raffle to benefit My Father’s House and Wounded Warrior Project and a special car quilt auction!
Cruise the College July 19th 2015


Trophy Classes for the Cruise at the College
 Lots of fun you won’t want to miss!! Use the NW lot at the college with entrance on the Stark Street side for participants and the main entrance on Kane for spectators.  It’s an open event so any and all can enter and participate. If you’d like more information or would like to enter a vehicle is this great show, please visit www.mhmf .com. This will follow on the heals of the event we’re all waiting for, The Gresham Art Festival! The 2015 Gresham Arts Festival on Saturday, July 18, is the biggest festival in 14 years. More than 150 talented artists plus a Guinness World Record event.  Don’t forget to get your family, friends, employees and co-workers together and sign up to color in one of the chalk squares and help us reach our goal of 350 squares.  Now that will be something to celebrate!! It's a day filled with "Look at that!" art, music, food and fun, turning the city's historic downtown into a giant art gallery.

The summer fun never ends here in East County!!

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Fight Hunger in 30 Seconds

Neighbors helping neighbors since 1967! SnowCap Community Charities is a philanthropic organization created to provide food, clothing, advocacy and other services to the poor.
SnowCap Community Charities helps Feed East County
SnowCap has been selected as a semi-finalist to receive a $9,000 grant from the Advantis Credit Union GROW Fund.  This funding will be used to purchase a much-needed freezer for their pantry. We need your help! The public is invited to vote daily for their favorite project among 12 worthy agencies between now and July 17th, 2015. Will you take 30 seconds and vote for SnowCap? Please go to, www.advantiscu.org and take the 30 seconds and help us fight hunger in East County!



Thank you for taking a moment to support your neighbors in need and sharing the link with your friends on Facebook. We can't fight hunger without you.  SnowCap volunteers make a difference for their neighbors in need.  They feed over 8,000 people per month.  This involves food drives, picking up and delivering food, sorting food donations, stocking shelves, packing bags.  It also means driving trucks, weeding the garden, working on committees and interviewing clients. If you think you’d like to help this amazing organization, don’t hesitate, go to their website today and look at all the opportunities.

On another note, don’t forget the Gresham Ford Art Contest going on right now.  We’re looking for anything “Ford”.  Photos, paintings, drawings, whatever you’ve got. Come and visit our show room and take a look at the awesome entries we’ve received so far and vote for your favorite! We’ll be counting the votes on July 15th with the winner displayed in our booth at the Gresham Arts Festival, July 18th.

Friday, June 12, 2015

Gresham Ford has Gone Fishing

Gresham Ford Sponsors Fishing Information Tour
This past weekend was National Fishing & Boating Week and we are fortunate to have Ed Chin, a local Gresham resident and professional fishing sportsman, to heighten our awareness.  Being a representative of the FLW (Fishing League Worldwide) and TBO (The Bass Federation of Oregon) Ed is   just returning from a national tour where he won awards and recognition for his expertise and 
knowledge in the world of fishing, (Bass fishing to be more precise).  Partnering with Walmart, he visited regional Walmart stores in Hood River, Wood Village and St. Helen, Oregon.  At each of these locations he displayed a truck and the boat he was pulling, visited with customers about fishing tackle and answered questions on where to fish.  Traveling over 250 miles over the week end, the truck and boat combo were a huge hit with the store’s employees and customers generating lots of questions concerning the boat, truck and fishing.

We were happy to supply Ed with a 2015 F-150 on this journey and we feel privileged to be a part of this glimpse into the world of fishing.  If you’d like to know more or ask some serious questions of Ed yourself, please visit www.tbforegon.com or Ed Chin's Facebook page

Here’s a quote found on the TBF website; 
"With every trip I collect new mementoes, though few are collected in scrapbooks. And all who fish for bass across the land collect them too. They are the images from first light to last and from first fish to last. And we'd share them in a minute. Some recall particular triumphs, often preserved in snapshots and clippings, while others we tend to hide, at least until we're ready to laugh about them. Daybreak, canebreaks, heartbreaks, muggy nights and foggy mornings.  A hundred things that worked, and a thousand more that should have. That's bass fishing."-George Krame

Friday, June 5, 2015

Gresham Ford is looking for artists

We’re looking for the best “Ford” art in East County!  Do you have an eye for photography and a passion for Ford products?  Are you a painter with a fondness for that old Ford parked in the driveway?  Get your camera and your paint brushes, or your quilt patches or sculpting tools out and create a work of art and enter to win!  It can be anything you desire to create centered around the Ford Oval logo.

There will be three prize winners with 1st place receiving a whopping $500 towards your next set of Tires from Gresham Ford-Quick Lane.  2nd place, a Spa Day for your car ($185 value).  And 3rd place, a Works Package ($39.95 value)

To enter; please visit www.greshamford.com and click on the banner ad, “Art Contest” and fill out the entry form.  Bring your art accompanied by the form to Gresham Ford.  Ask for Amy Tipsord or call 503-407-6764.

On another note, Northwest Ford Dealers Advertising Association is again launching their annual Peanut Butter Drive. The summer months are the hardest on low income families as their children are home and having good nutritious food on a consistent basis is difficult.  With the help from the local food banks, many families are assisted through the summer to keep their kids happy and healthy.  



Drop a jar by Gresham Ford or bring it to our booth at the Gresham Arts Festival, July 18th.  All peanut butter collected at Gresham Ford will benefit our local food bank, SnowCap Community Charities.  Every little bit helps!

Gresham Arts Festival July 18th 2015

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Cell Phones for Soldiers Collection Point at Gresham Ford

Since its inception in 2004, Cell Phones for Soldiers has worked to provide free communication services to active-duty military members and veterans.  The charity’s longstanding calling card program, “Minutes that Matter” has provided servicemen and women with an estimated 3 million prepaid calling cards, equating to more than 213 million minutes of FREE talk time.

Cell Phones for Soldiers was found by Robbie and Brittany Bergquist of Norwell, MA at the ages of 12 and 13.  The organization has prevented more than 11.6 million cell phones from ending up in landfills.  How it works, they collect pre-owned cell phones, recycle them for cash (approximately $5 per phone) and then they purchase calling cards for our military personal that are thousands of miles from their loved ones.  It started when these two kids heard of a soldier getting hit with an $8,000 phone bill.  With the help of their community, car washes and the like, they raised the money to help him pay his bill.

And then they devised this plan so that our armed forces in far away places could keep connected to
those back home.We, here at Gresham Ford, are so very proud of these two kids that have made such a difference in the lives of those that sacrifice their day-to-day contact with their own families to serve in the U.S. armed forces.

If you’d like to help, please visit www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com or if you have a cell phone you’d like to donate, just drop it by Gresham Ford and we’ll ship it for you.  The gift of just a few minutes can bring hope to both those that serve and those left at home.  These minutes do matter…

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Think Green

As our society shifts to “green”, our mind sets have shifted as well. An effort to make our world safe and beautiful for the generations to come has become a way of life.  And there are countless companies and organizations that have joined the shift as well and Ford Motor Company is one of them. In a recent publication of the AAA Green Car Guide, AAA named the 2015 Ford F-150 SuperCab Lariat with EcoBoost gasoline as the greenest pickup truck.  When equipped with the available 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine with standard Auto Start-Stop, the MY-2015 F-150 4x2 returns EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway/22 mpg combined.  The F-150 had an overall ranking of 32 on the list of 88 vehicles of all types, outranking both Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Ram 1500.  AAA Green Car Guide winners were tested and scored by the automobile Club of Southern California’s Automotive Research Center in 13 categories, including braking, fuel economy, emissions, handling and ride comfort.

So, needless to say, once again we are proud to represent a company that not only has our country’s
best interest at heart, but the world we live in as well.  As our founder, Henry Ford once said, “A
business that makes nothing but money is a poor business.”  His vision for environment, community and our future carries on even to this day!

Have you driven a Ford lately?

Way to go Devan!

Ladies and Gentlemen!  We have a hero in our midst! Devan Driscoll-Roach, a spunky 15 year old from Portland, set out on a journey a few months ago.  Her goal, to raise $50,000 for the Leukemia
Lymphoma Society, Oregon SW Washington Idaho Montana Chapter (OSWIM).  Well, she not only
reached her goal, she blew by it to a whopping $75,311 raised.  And she did it in a mere 10 weeks!

Devan has a very personal connection to this disease and the devastating affects it has on families and loved ones.  Her Aunt Nancy was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma when Devan was 4 years old, and then passed away six years later.  In her hopes to keep more aunts, uncles and loved ones around longer, she set out on her campaign to raise as much as she could to help advance the survival rates of so many that suffer from these blood cancers.  Many LLS supported therapies not only help blood cancer patients, but are also now used to treat patients with rare forms of stomach and skin cancers and are in clinical trials for patients with lung, brain, breast, pancreatic and prostate cancers.

And LLS funded drugs like targeted therapies and immunotherapies are now saving thousands of lives every day!  As Devan says, “everyone wins when cancer loses”!  And that has been her motto that has driven her to this great success!!  Our hat is off to you Devan, and we are so proud of all the time and effort you put into this and all the lives that may benefit from your hard work!  And, her name will be linked to LLS research for generations to come because of this event!  Way to go, Devan!!

And THANK YOU, to everyone in this community that supported her in this task!  If you’d like more information or to donate, please contact Amy Tipsord at Gresham Ford, 503-665-0101 or email; awilliamson@greshamford.com!

Friday, April 24, 2015

Congratulations to the new Executive Director of the Gresham Barlow Education Foundation

Vicki Moen
We’d like to take a moment to recognize a “changing of the guard”, so to speak!  Vicky Moen, as of April 1st, has taken the position of Executive Director for the Gresham Barlow Education Foundation.  Having been on the board of directors for the foundation for the past 10 years, she is aptly qualified.  She held positions on the board as secretary and president.  And being one of four generations in her family to graduate from Gresham High, she is very connected to the foundation and this community on a grass roots level.  She and her husband, Greg Moen are owners of Moen Machinery on Hogan right here in Gresham so they understand the strength of community ties and buying, shopping and participating locally.  We, as fellow partners in a sustainable Gresham community, welcome Vicky and look forward to her insight and direction creating a foundational springboard for our future generations.



That being said, the saying “it takes a village….” was never truer than it is today.  It takes all of us pulling together to sustain our economy for the next generation of entrepreneurs and business owners. Organizations like the Gresham Barlow Educational Foundation need our support.  If you’re so inclined, go to www.gbefkids.org and make a donation today.  Or, if you come to Gresham Ford, 10% of your service bill, up to $100, or $100 per vehicle purchase can be donated to the GBEF on your behalf.  All you have to do is ask!  Every little bit helps!
 

To put it in perspective, if every family in the U.S. spent an extra $10 a month at a locally owned,
independent business, over $9.3 billion would be directly returned to our economy.  It doesn’t take
much, but it does take all of us!



Wednesday, April 15, 2015

King of Roads ~ Byway of the People

2016 marks the 100th anniversary of the construction of the Historic Columbia River Highway and to celebrate this incredible “mile” stone in our local history, a new exhibit by Troutdale Historical Society will be opening on July 18th, 2015.


With over 150 historic photos, maps and documents from private and public collections, text contributed by road historians and experts on early road building. Telling in words, pictures and artifacts the story of the dreamers and the men with picks and shovels who built the nation’s first paved scenic highway. Our own Henry Ford was a great proponent of this project and the Ford vehicles were the first to travel its finished surfaces.

A one of a kind introduction to the people who built the Historic Columbia River Highway, the people who saved it, and the people who have restored large sections to its original glory await at this grand unveiling.  A twenty foot long basalt wall mirroring the guardrails along the highway, complete with arches is being constructed as well.

The Center for Advanced Learning in Gresham, Oregon, has partnered with the Troutdale Historical 
Society to create a website and stunning promotional materials; www.troutdalehistory.org and www.kingofroads.org.  Donations are still being accepted at these sites as well and your contributions to this historic event are most appreciated.

So, mark your calendars for July 18th at Troutdale Historical Society’s Barn Exhibit Hall, 726 E Historic Columbia River Highway and take a trip back in time.  Also, plan to visit the Gresham Art Festival, downtown Gresham on that day as well. It’s a happenin’ day here in East County!

Friday, April 10, 2015

Jane Kirkpatrick, Best Selling Author for Education Event presented by Gresham Barlow Education Foundation

“Like a weaver, I look to the landscape, relationships, spirituality and work to find the threads…”, as penned by Jane Kirkpatrick.  Writer and rattlesnake fighter, Jane has produced 27 bestselling and award-winning books.  Reviewers and readers alike acclaim Jane’s work as unique in a world of storytellers.

“Kirkpatrick’s books enfold the reader.  They find a secret place in each of us and bring it gently to the surface.”  The Statesman Journal, Salem, Oregon.Creating stories from the lives of actual historical women or events, Jane’s focus is on telling stories that inspire as she helps people from the distant past to step from their generation into our own to teach us and touch us with their lives.  Her goal is to weave a story to help readers reach within and find peace, love and grace and to look at their lives with new eyes, no matter how messy it might be.

For an inspirational evening filled with tears, laughter and everything in between, join us at Greater Gresham Baptist Church, 3848 NE Division St, April 23rd at 7pm.  Enjoy a great lecture with dessert, book signing and sales and an opportunity to bid on becoming a character in an upcoming book of Jane’s.

Jane Kirkpatrick Author

Space is limited so reserve your space today by calling 503-766-0008 or go online at www.gbefkids.org.  After all, “It’s the obstacles in life that carve out our character,”  and things always get messy along the way.  We could all use a little help finding that thread to unravel our mess and see the beautiful story that is in each of us.

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Automotive News March 2nd Edition - Gresham Ford

Appeared in the March 2nd Edition of Automotive News - Gresham Ford
Bess Wills and her team at Gresham Ford believe that helping others in their community is just part of doing business.  With the many charity events they hold each year, Wills is most passionate about helping children.  "In our world today, the reality is that nearly half of the homeless community are children.  The Fill-A-Bag program was started to help these kids and struggling families by providing food or clothing throughout the year," Wills said.  "We're really proud of this initiative; it's become a tradition for everyone in the community."  Wills and her team not only are involved in raising funds and providing goods for nonprofits, but they also have dedicated approximately a third of their radio advertising time to promoting charities and helping them raise even more money - over a million dollars in the past seven years.  "I can't even tell you what great employees I have and the ways they truly care about their community.  We help others because it helps us feel that we're part of something bigger than ourselves." Find out more at social.ford.com.  


Thursday, March 26, 2015

Spring has sprung!

A traditional aspect of this spring season that many look forward to is Easter Celebrations.  With many events and activities to choose from, there is no shortage of places to go and fun things to do.  One event in particular we try to attend every year is the Portland Good Friday Breakfast, presented by Open Arms International.  The Portland Good Friday Breakfast is an uplifting community event www.portlandgoodfridaybreakfast.org.
that brings together leaders from the religious, business and civic communities to hear an inspirational message on the day which marks the historical death of Jesus Christ. Although presented by Open Arms International, the breakfast event is a gift to the Portland community and does not serve as a fundraiser for Open Arms Join us Good Friday morning April 3rd at the Oregon Convention Center to hear stories of authentic, transformational hope from our featured guest, Gerard Long.  Once a prominent figure in the European banking industry, Gerard's journey led him from business triumph to personal tragedy.  Losing not one, but two children has given Gerard a unique and authentic perspective on finding the faithfulness of God in the midst of tremendous heartache. For more information, please visit

And for the kids, don’t forget the Eggstravaganza, Saturday, April 4th 11am-1:30pm at Greater Gresham Baptist Church, 3848 NE Division St.  For families with children brith to 6th grade!  Baskets, burgers, a visit from Peter Cottontail, plus games, prizes, candy, eggs, crafts, coffee, J Gelati and much more! For more information call 503-667-1515!

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

In awe of our teenagers

Drive 4 UR School at Gresham Ford
As someone who is fast approaching the age of “Social Security”  -and it feels just like yesterday that I was living in the Age of Aquarius-now if you get that- you and I are in the same boat.   Anyhow, I feel  so blessed when I have opportunities to be working with or engaged with teenagers as it really does make the heart seem younger….This past week was my  “week of the teens”…Centennial Football and Sam Barlow Water Polo teams joined forces with us to accomplish a great “Drive 4 UR School” Event.  The teens participating were enthusiastic, engaging, polite and helpful.   These kids are a credit to their parents and their coaches.

Then on Monday, I was honored to take part in Reynolds High School’s assembly to honor those that
assisted them on that dark day – June 10, 2014, when a shooting at that school changed the lives of all that were on campus that day.  The students planned and executed a tribute to Police, Fire, and
Emergency Personnel as well as others who have contributed to the care and nurturing of all involved.


There were tears but most important there was a feeling of unity – they called it “Reynold’s Strong”.
They expressed themselves through thoughtful speeches, video and song and as I write this, tears still come to my eyes because of the magnitude of emotion displayed.   While we as adults are the ones who are supposed to nurture and support our young, this week I was inspired, humbled, and quite frankly in awe of the teens I encountered.  Bless you all – you are
AWESOME!

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

For the Record...

Last week we outlined the Drive 4 UR School Program offered by Ford Motor Company and is facilitated
at Gresham Ford.  This week, we thought it might be of interest to let you know how those funds raised
at this amazing event actual benefit the programs that participate.  Gresham High Gopher Spirit Club, headed up by Karen Johnston with All About Automotive, has participated in our Fall event for the past three years.  I asked her to give me a summary of where the funds they have raised have gone.  I couldn’t believe the list; Uniforms for team sports, tennis court benches, stadium sound system, score board for inside gym and outside football field, wrestling mat repairs, choir risers, Syke curtain, microphones for theater performances, band instrument repairs, safety radial saw for the theater, golf bags, golf and tennis balls, competition costumes for dance team, and that was just what she could think of at the moment!!
Gresham Ford Supports Drive 4 UR School to benefit local schools

So, just for the record, if you’ve dismissed the Drive 4 UR School events as just a hype to get people to a car dealership, we’d like you to think again!  This is a real deal! And all that’s required is a mere 20 minutes of your time!

Tomorrow, Saturday March 14th, 10am-4pm, tell friends, family co-workers, anyone and come on down to Gresham Ford.  Take a ride in a brand new Ford vehicle and Ford Motor Company gives $20!  Another $10 for taking your car through our Quick Lane Station.  Up to $7,000 is on the table for our schools tomorrow!  Lets help them get every penny!

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

The definition of sucess...

As Henry Ford so eloquently said, “A business that makes nothing but money is a poor business.”  And true to his example, Ford Motor Company is one of the most successful businesses in the US.  And here’s a good reason why.  Twice a year, we participate in the Ford Motor Company Drive 4 UR School events.  This is an event that is targeted primarily for high schools across the country.  For one day, students, parents, relatives and friends along with teachers, coaches and staff, take a quick 10 minute, no pressure test drive in a brand new Ford vehicle and Ford Motor Company donates $20.  Then, for a quick FREE inspection of their own vehicle in our Quick Lane station, Ford Motor Company donates another $10.  So, $30 from Ford Motor Company donated to a school program or organization for a brief 20 minutes of someone’s time.  A total of $7,000 for the day, and all that’s required is a simple test drive and vehicle inspection.And true to Henry Ford’s precedence, The Seattle Region (Ford Motor Company) and Northwest Ford Dealers Association are sponsoring the Scott Firefighter Stairclimb on March 8th in Seattle, WA to help raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  In conjunction with our Drive 4 UR School event, the Northwest Ford Dealers Association will donate $20 to the LLS per test drive as well.So, come on out to Gresham Ford, March 14th  10am-4pm, and not only to support your schools, but also a great cause as well.

Henry Ford’s vision was as far reaching as the stars themselves.  The sky is the limit when you understand that community is the foundation and our children are the building blocks of the future.  His insight for the investment in our schools and our kids is truly about making more than just money!

Thursday, February 5, 2015

Gresham Ford Loves Vets


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JANUARY 28, 2015


LOCAL FAMILY SEEKS TO AWARD A VETERAN WITH A FREE CAR



Fifteen year old Trenton and his family want to “do something good for someone who has served and sacrificed for us” so they are seeking nominations for a Veteran to receive a Ford Focus SEL, absolutely free.

If you know of vet that would be blessed by receiving a free car, simply nominate them by going to the “Love a Vet” section at www.GreshamFord.com.

Tell us their story of service to our nation, what their life is like since returning home and
why the gift of this car would be a blessing to them.  All honorably discharged members of any branch of the military and from any era are eligible.

Nominations should be 200 words or less and must be received by 5pm on Thursday, February 12, 2015. Stories may be broadcast on the Salem Communications radio stations in Portland (93.9 KPDQ FM, 800AM and 104.1 FM the Fish).  Only their first names will be used and their identities protected.

The vehicle is a 2012 Ford Focus SEL with an automatic transmission, Ford Extended Service Protection warranty and free Maintenance Care agreement at Gresham Ford Quick Lane.  Title and registration fees are included and since this is a gift, there are no taxes to be paid by the recipient.

The Focus will be presented on President’s Day, Monday, February 16th, 2015, 9am at Gresham Ford.  While we would love to honor the recipient in person at that time, it is not required that they be present at the presentation ceremony.

Contact:
Amy Williamson at

Gresham Ford at 503-665-0101