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.  

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!

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!

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!

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!

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 

Gresham Strong

Fill-A-Bag Sponsored by Gresham Ford

This is a small community, but a very connected and supportive one!  As I’ve said, “When businesses serve their communities, everyone benefits”, and it’s been proven time and time again here in East
County.  Today wraps up our 2014 Fill-A-Bag food drive for SnowCap.  Every year I am amazed at how this community comes together and collects hundreds of thousands of pounds of food for our local food bank.  Last year alone, over 500,000 pounds were gathered over a three month period.  The tally is still out for this year, but we should have a total count soon.  Stay tuned!

On another note, something new is happening here in our neck of the woods.  Gresham Strong!  This is a weekly public affairs TV show spotlighting the things that make the Gresham region a more vibrant and prosperous community.  It features interviews with the people behind East County business, non-profits, schools, churches, art and community events, governments and civic groups that are helping make Gresham Strong.

The new show premiers Tuesday, January 13th at 7pm on Comcast 21 and Frontier 32.  You can also view online at GreshamStrong.com.

This week’s guests include; Kedma Ough, Director of the Mt. Hood Community College Small Business Development Center, Pam Vredevelt, best-selling author and co-founder of the national non-profit, “The Safe Empowered Child”, Faith in Gresham with Larry Jorgenson, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church and Try Local First guest host Bess Wills with Debbie Phillips, owner of Bella Cupcakes (and if you haven’t tried one of her cupcakes, you’re really missing out).

I am proud to be a part of this community and honored to be a guest host on this new program.  Mark
your calendar and share this evening with us as we move forward into 2015 keeping “Gresham Strong”!