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The latest news and events from FordBUFFALO, N.Y. – Thanks to nearly 1,900 total votes generated by attendees of the 2012 Buffalo Auto Show and wnyford.com, The Bristol Home is the third Western New York nonprofit selected to ‘drive away’ in an all-new Ford Friendship Express vehicle this year.
During the Buffalo Auto Show, the Western New York Ford Dealers announced “Ford Friendship: Friendly Vote Van Giveaway,” a new promotion that encouraged the public to vote for a nonprofit organization to receive an all-new Ford vehicle. Attendees were given three choices – The Bristol Home, Joan A. Male Family Support Center, and Olmsted Center for Sight.
The Friendly Vote Van Giveaway ran in conjunction with the Ford Friendship Express Program, an annual charitable initiative created by the WNY Ford Dealers. Through the program, Schiller Park Community Services, Inc. and The Franciscan Center were awarded new Ford vans on the opening day of the Buffalo Auto Show, prior to the launch of the Friendly Vote Van Giveaway announcement.
The organizations competing in the promotion were chosen by the Ford Friendship Express Selection Committee. Voting was open to Auto Show attendees and visitors of www.wnyford.com, beginning Wednesday, Feb. 8 and ending on Sunday, Feb. 12 at 6 p.m.
“For more than 16 years, we’ve spent countless hours deciding which organizations were most deserving of the Ford Friendship Express vehicles. It’s never easy. The organizations that apply have a great need for the vehicle and provide such vital services to the people of Western New York,” said Scott Bieler, chairman of the Ford Friendship Express Selection Committee. “This year, we wanted to offer the community the opportunity to get involved in the selection.”
In addition to awarding The Bristol Home with a new vehicle, the Ford Dealers also presented a $2,500 check to each of the runner-up organizations: Joan A. Male Family Support Center and Olmsted Center for Sight.
“Having the Ford Dealers drive up to our organization with the keys to our new vehicle felt like receiving one of those big Publishers Clearing House checks,” said Mike Helbringer, President, The Bristol Home. “We couldn’t be more excited and we truly want to thank all of the Auto Show voters, the community, and the Western New York Ford Dealers for selecting us. This vehicle will be put to use right away to help us to better serve our fifty-four residents.”
Since its inception in 1996, the Ford Friendship Express program has donated vehicles to more than 65 local organizations, valued at more than $1.2 million.
Past Ford Friendship Express van recipients include: Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northtowns, Homespace Inc., Boys & Girls Club of Orchard Park, Boys & Girls Club of East Aurora, The Buffalo Zoo, Camp Good Days & Special Times, Food Bank of WNY, Foodlink, Friends of Night People, Goodwill Industries of WNY, Inc., Hickok Center for Brain Injury, Meals on Wheels Foundation, Niagara Falls Boys & Girls Club, Niagara Hospice, Rural Transit Services, SABAH, YMCA Buffalo Niagara and more.
About the Western New York Ford Dealers
The Western New York Ford Dealers are part of the Western New York Ford Stores, an advertising cooperative comprised of 31 dealer locations that provides support for Ford vehicle sales and service in the 13 counties of Western New York and Rochester, and two counties in Northern Pennsylvania.
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Follow the link to watch Video of the 2012 Ford Hockey Shootout Winning Shot!
BUFFALO, NY – Today, David Dale of Buffalo scored an all-new 2012 Ford Focus, courtesy of the Western New York Ford Dealers. Ten finalists competed in the 2012 Ford Focus Hockey Shootout, the second annual event that took place at the Labatt Blue Buffalo Street Hockey Tournament. Contestants each received a chance to shoot a ball through a mouse-hole shaped target from 100 feet away. Mr. Dale was the first person to score, claiming him the grand prize.
“I knew it was going to take one very luck shot. I haven't picked up a hockey stick in 35 years,” said David Dale. “Thank you so much to the Western New York Ford Dealers. My wife isn't going to believe this - we won a new Ford Focus!”
In January, eligible individuals entered their names into a sweepstakes for a chance to play in the 2012 Ford Focus Hockey Shootout. Entry forms were located at over 70 local retailers, including NOCO Express, Arby’s, and local Ford dealerships, as well as online at www.wnyford.com. Ten finalists were randomly-selected from the entries and took their shots in the order that their names were drawn. Mr. Dale was the ninth contestant to shoot the ball. He entered the contest at Arby's in Lancaster.
“We are thrilled to award a new Ford Focus to David and his family today. Wow, what an impressive shot that was!” said Dave Smith, representative for the Ford Dealers of Western New York. “We hope everyone enjoyed the second annual Ford Hockey Shootout and took some time to check out the new 2012 Ford Focus.”
Watch the winner's live reaction caught on video.
About WNY Ford Dealers
The Western New York Ford Dealers are part of the Western New York Ford Stores, an advertising cooperative comprised of 31 dealer locations that provides support for Ford vehicle sales and service in the 13 counties of Western New York and Rochester, and two counties in Northern Pennsylvania.
BUFFALO, NY – Earlier today at the 2012 Buffalo Auto Show, two local nonprofit organizations, Schiller Park Community Services, Inc. and The Franciscan Center, joined a list of more than 65 groups to receive new Ford passenger vans, compliments of the Western New York Ford Dealers and its Ford Friendship Express program.
“Every day, the people who work at Schiller Park Community Services, Inc. and the Franciscan Center make an overwhelming difference in our community by providing essential services to Western New Yorkers in need,” said Scott Bieler, chairman of the Ford Friendship Express Selection Committee. “Through the Ford Friendship Express program, the Western New York Ford Dealers are able to give back to those who work tirelessly to provide for others.”
Schiller Park Community Services, Inc., an organization dedicated to helping low income senior citizens, and the Franciscan Center, a group that provides transitional care for young men in need, both received the keys to their new Ford vehicles during the Ford Friendship Express program’s debut at the 2012 Buffalo Auto Show. The recipients were carefully chosen by the Ford Friendship Express Selection Committee, who has been reviewing applications since the Ford Dealers issued the “call” for submissions in October 2011.
“We couldn’t be more excited to be a recipient of the 2012 Ford Friendship Express program,” said Michael Tritto, director, Schiller Park Community Services, Inc. “Every month we transport more than 300 senior citizens to medical appointments and other activities around the city. With all of the driving we do, it’s important that we have a safe and reliable vehicle. This new Ford van provides us with that security and will allow us to safely transport all of the seniors who rely on us.”
Brother Brian from the Franciscan Center added, “WNY Ford’s generosity will allow us to expose the young men in our organization to all of the community programs and jobs that Western New York offers. For many of them, this is a chance to see the opportunities available outside of the neighborhoods they live in for the first time.”
In addition to debuting this year’s giveaway at the Buffalo Auto Show, the Ford Dealers also announced the “Ford Friendship: Friendly Vote Van Giveaway,” a program that encourages Auto Show attendees to vote for a third organization to receive an all-new Ford vehicle. Attendees were given three choices – The Bristol Home, Joan A. Male Family Support Center, and Olmsted Center for Sight – chosen by the Ford Friendship Express Selection Committee. Voting begins on Wednesday, February 8 and ends on Sunday, February 12 at 6 p.m. Auto Show attendees can submit their votes to a designated ballot box, located in the Ford display at the Buffalo Convention Center.
The community can also vote online at www.wnyford.com now through Sunday, February 12 at 6 p.m.
“We are thrilled to be able to award a third van to another charitable organization this year,” said Bieler. “And we’re particularly excited to partner with the local community to do so. We encourage everyone to get involved, go vote and spread the word. With your participation, we can all help another organization better the lives of our fellow community members.”
The recipient organization will be announced in the days following the conclusion of the Buffalo Auto Show.
Since its inception in 1996, the Ford Friendship Express program has donated vans to more than 65 organizations, valued at more than $1.2 million. Past Ford Friendship Express van recipients include: Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northtowns, Homespace Inc., Boys & Girls Club of Orchard Park, Boys & Girls Club of East Aurora, The Buffalo Zoo, Camp Good Days & Special Times, Food Bank of WNY, Foodlink, Friends of Night People, Goodwill Industries of WNY, Inc., Hickok Center for Brain Injury, Meals on Wheels Foundation, Niagara Falls Boys & Girls Club, Niagara Hospice, Rural Transit Services, SABAH, YMCA Buffalo Niagara and more.
About the Western New York Ford Dealers
The Western New York Ford Dealers are part of the Western New York Ford Stores, an advertising cooperative comprised of 31 dealer locations that provides support for Ford vehicle sales and service in the 13 counties of Western New York and Rochester, and two counties in Northern Pennsylvania.
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BUFFALO, NY – Despite mild winter temperatures, the Western New York Ford Dealers announced that the Ford Focus Hockey Shootout will still go on. Taking place at the Labatt Blue Buffalo Street Hockey Tournament – ten lucky fans will get a chance to shoot-to-win a new 2012 Ford Focus.
“We’re gearing up for a big weekend at the Erie Basin Marina,” said Frank Downing, representative of the WNY Ford Dealers. “Mother Nature won’t stop us from having a good time; it’s still all about great people and outdoor hockey - ice or not.”
Eligible contestants can enter to play in the 2012 Ford Focus Hockey Shootout at more than 70 locations, including NOCO Express and Arby’s, at local Ford Dealerships or online at www.wnyford.com until Saturday, January 28. Ten randomly selected contest finalists will be announced by February 10 and invited to take their best shot on Saturday, February 11.
The exact time of the shootout will be released closer to the event. For official rules and additional eligibility restrictions, please visit: www.wnyford.com.
About the WNY Ford Dealers
The Western New York Ford Dealers are part of the Western New York Ford Stores, an advertising cooperative comprised of 31 dealer locations that provides support for Ford vehicle sales and service in the 13 counties of Western New York and Rochester, and two counties in Northern Pennsylvania.
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ROCHESTER, N.Y. – With just one week left to apply, Rochester Area Ford Dealers are reminding eligible nonprofit organizations to submit an application for a new Ford passenger van through the 2012 Ford Friendship Express program in Rochester, NY. Applications are due by January 18, 2012.
The Rochester Area Ford Dealers will announce the 2012 Ford Friendship Express van recipient during the Rochester International Auto Show in early March. Last spring, Mary Cariola Children’s Center received a new Ford Transit Connect van during the auto show.
Applications and guidelines are available at www.RochesterAreaFordDealers.com under the “local events” tab. All applications from organizations residing in Monroe, Genesee, Livingston, Ontario and Wayne counties must be returned and received by January 18, 2012 to be eligible for consideration for the 2012 program. Please send completed applications to: Ford Friendship Express Program, 50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1000, Buffalo, NY 14202.
Additional past recipients include: The Academy for Career Development, Boys and Girls Club of Rochester, Easter Seals New York, Foodlink, Rochester St. Martin’s Boxing Club, Salvation Army, The Society for the Protection and Care of Children, Hickok Center for Brain Injury, and Wilson Commencement Park.
About the Rochester Area Ford Dealers
The Rochester Area Ford Dealers are part of the Western New York Ford Stores, an advertising cooperative comprised of 31 dealer locations that provides support for Ford vehicle sales and service in the 13 counties of Western New York and Rochester, and two counties in Northern Pennsylvania. For more information, please visit: www.RochesterAreaFordDealers.com. View and subscribe to news from the Rochester Area Ford Dealers here: http://tinyurl.com/WNYFordNewsroom.
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BUFFALO, NY - Earlier today, the Western New York Ford Dealers and Labatt Blue announced details for the 2012 Ford Focus Hockey Shootout, set to take place at the 5th annual Labatt Blue Buffalo Pond Hockey Tournament on Lake Erie in Buffalo, NY. On Saturday, February 11, 10 finalists will test their luck as they shoot-to-win a new 2012 Ford Focus, courtesy of the WNY Ford Dealers.
“We’re excited to bring the Ford Hockey Shootout back to the Labatt Blue Buffalo Pond Hockey Tournament this year,” said Frank Downing, representative for the Ford Dealers of Western New York. “Labatt Blue is a great partner with really passionate fans just like ours. The shootout offers fans who may not be avid hockey players the opportunity to experience what it’s like to step out on to the ice and take their best shot.”
The first-ever Ford Hockey Shootout debuted last year when contestants competed to win a 2011 Ford Explorer. Though a few came close, unfortunately, no one took home the grand prize, so the WNY Ford Dealers are trying again. The rules will remain the same; Finalists receive one chance to shoot a puck through a target from 100 feet away. However, the target is two inches wider than last year’s opening, making the goal six inches wide by 1.25 inches high. The first contestant to shoot the puck completely through the goal will drive away in the 40-mpg 2012 Ford Focus.
“The Labatt Blue Buffalo Pond Hockey Tournament continues to expand year after year; We’re constantly looking for more ways to deliver an authentic, real hockey experience for players and fans,” said Brett Carlsen, associate brand manager, Labatt Blue. “The Ford Shootout brought that extra excitement to our tournament last year. We look forward to another big turnout… and hopefully a car giveaway.”
Beginning today through January 28, eligible contestants can enter to play in the 2012 Ford Focus Hockey Shootout at more than 70 locations, including NOCO and Arby’s, at local Ford Dealerships or online at www.wnyford.com. (Look for contest displays in NOCO stores near cases of Labatt Blue.)
Ten randomly selected contest finalists will be announced by February 10 and invited to take the ice at the Labatt Blue Buffalo Pond Hockey Tournament on February 11 to participate in the 2012 Ford Focus Hockey Shootout. The exact time of the shootout will be released closer to the event.
To enter for a chance to play in the 2012 Ford Explorer Hockey Shootout, stop into the following retail locations or Ford Dealerships by 6 p.m. on Monday, January 28 (Online entries will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 28):
Ford Dealership (21 locations)
• Steve Baldo: 6980 Niagara Falls Blvd, Niagara Falls
• C Basil Ford: 1540 Walden Ave, Cheektowaga
• Conroy Motors: 1457 Main St, Java Center
• DeLacy Ford: 3061 Transit Rd, Elma
• Emerling: 150 S. Cascade Dr, Rte 219, Springville
• Fairway Ford: 472 E. Main St, Bradford
• Gowanda Ford: 14650 Route 62, Gowanda
• Howell Motors: 6488 Ridge Rd, Lockport
• Kelly Motor Corp: 2811 Route 246, Perry
• Kightlinger Motors: 358 Route 6 W, Coudersport
• Kleisser Ford: 3387 Andover Rd, Wellsville
• Mastel Ford: 1674 E. State Rd, Olean
• Orleans Ford Mercury: 1405 S. Main St, Medina
• Pioneer Ford Mercury: 566 W. Main St, Arcade
• Ed Shults Ford: 2258 Washington St, Jamestown
• Dave Smith Ford: 4045 Transit Rd, Williamsville
• Towne: 3535 Southwestern Blvd, Orchard Park
• Valone Ford: 10312 Route 60, Fredonia
• West-Herr of Amherst: 10 Campbell Blvd, Getzville
• West-Herr of Hamburg: 5025 Camp Rd, Hamburg
• Zook Motors: 25 Willow Run Dr, Kane
NOCO (32 locations)
• 4265 Maple Rd, Amherst
• 155 Bailey Ave, Buffalo
• 1635 Kensington Ave, Buffalo
• 2133 South Park Ave, Buffalo
• 642 Cleveland Dr, Cheektowaga
• 4590 Genesee St, Cheektowaga
• 8925 Main St, Clarence
• 2150 George Urban Blvd, Depew
• 1199 French Rd, Depew
• 6257 Transit Rd, Depew
• 5114 Transit Rd, Depew
• 6011 Transit Rd, East Amherst
• 495 Main St, East Aurora
• 2935 Millersport, Getzville
• 1555 N. French, Getzville
• 1898 Whitehaven Rd, Grand Island
• 108 Lake St, Hamburg
• S5980 S. Park Ave, Hamburg
• 3085 Delaware Ave, Kenmore
• 2080 Abbott Rd, Lackawanna
• 2530 Hamburg Turnpike, Lackawanna
• 2861 South Park Ave, Lackawanna
• 370 Central Ave, Lancaster
• 6233 S. Transit Rd, Lockport
• 6724 Williams Rd, Niagara Falls
• 4169 N. Buffalo Rd, Orchard Park
• 535 Kenmore Ave, Tonawanda
• 820 Niagara Falls Blvd, Tonawanda
• 921 Payne Ave, N. Tonawanda
• 2596 Sheridan Dr, Tonawanda
• 58 W. Main St, Webster
• 6125 Main St, Williamsville
Arby’s (20 locations)
• 1395 Niagara Falls Blvd, Amherst
• 2945 Niagara Falls Blvd, Amherst
• 212 W. Main Street, Batavia
• 75 Foreman Street, Bradford, PA
• 537 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo
• Galleria Mall, 1 Walden Galleria Drive, Cheektowaga
• 4827 Broadway, Depew
• 564 Dick Road, Depew
• 10438 Bennett Road, Fredonia
• 5569 Camp Road, Hamburg
• McKinley Mall, 3701 McKinley Parkway, Hamburg
• 800 Foote Avenue, Jamestown
• 346 Fluvanna Avenue, Jamestown
• 3793 Delaware Avenue, Kenmore
• 100 Mall Blvd, Lakewood
• 5737 S. Transit Road, Lockport
• 1001 Cedar Avenue, Niagara Falls
• 3235 Southwestern Blvd, Orchard Park
• 2300 Union Road, West Seneca
• 6845 Main Street, Williamsville
All entrants must be legal U.S. residents who are 21 years of age or older, reside in NY or PA and possess a valid U.S. driver’s license. Additionally, current or former professional or semi-professional hockey players or coaches, college varsity or college club hockey players or coaches who have played or coached at that level in the past five (5) years, junior A (Major or Minor), B, or C hockey players or coaches who have played or coached at that level in the past five (5) years are ineligible. Only one entry per person, please. For official rules and additional eligibility restrictions, please visit: www.wnyford.com.
About the WNY Ford Dealers
The Western New York Ford Dealers are part of the Western New York Ford Stores, an advertising cooperative comprised of 31 dealer locations that provides support for Ford vehicle sales and service in the 13 counties of Western New York and Rochester, and two counties in Northern Pennsylvania.
About Labatt USA
Headquartered in Buffalo, NY, Labatt USA imports Labatt Blue and Labatt Blue Light daily from Canada. Labatt Blue is America’s top-selling Canadian beer. First brewed in 1951, Labatt Blue offers a clean, refreshing taste, light color, slight hop aroma, good balance, fruity character and a slightly sweet taste. Labatt Blue Light, a Canadian pilsner, is the No. 2 Canadian import behind Labatt Blue and the fastest growing light import beer in the US.
Labatt USA, owned by North American Breweries, imports and markets Labatt Blue™, Labatt Blue Light™ and other Canadian brands into the United States.
Always enjoy responsibly.
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ROCHESTER, N.Y. – The Rochester Area Ford Dealers are reminding local nonprofit organizations that the January 18th deadline is quickly approaching for eligible groups to apply for a new Ford passenger van through the 2012 Ford Friendship Express program in Rochester, NY.
Applications and guidelines are available at www.RochesterAreaFordDealers.com under the “local events” tab. All applications from organizations residing in Monroe, Genesee, Livingston, Ontario and Wayne counties must be returned and received by January 18, 2012 to be eligible for consideration for the 2012 program. Please send completed applications to: Ford Friendship Express Program, 50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1000, Buffalo, NY 14202.
The Rochester Area Ford Dealers will announce the 2012 Ford Friendship Express van recipient during the Rochester International Auto Show in March.
Last spring, Mary Cariola Children’s Center received a new Ford Transit Connect van during the auto show. “The kids love the Transit!” said Brad Pearson, Director of Agency Advancement at Mary Cariola Children's Center. “It has been very helpful for our organization this past year.”
Additional past recipients include: The Academy for Career Development, Boys and Girls Club of Rochester, Easter Seals New York, Foodlink, Rochester St. Martin’s Boxing Club, Salvation Army, The Society for the Protection and Care of Children, Hickok Center for Brain Injury, and Wilson Commencement Park.
About the Rochester Area Ford Dealers
The Rochester Area Ford Dealers are part of the Western New York Ford Stores, an advertising cooperative comprised of 31 dealer locations that provides support for Ford vehicle sales and service in the 13 counties of Western New York and Rochester, and two counties in Northern Pennsylvania.
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BUFFALO, N.Y. – Today, The Ford Dealers of Western New York issued a reminder that there’s only one week remaining for nonprofit organizations in the WNY-area to apply for a new van through the 2012 Ford Friendship Express program. The deadline to submit applications is next Thursday, December 15 for all eligible groups.
Applications and guidelines are available at www.wnyford.com under the “local events” tab. All applications from organizations residing in Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Allegany, McKean, and Potter counties must be returned and received by December 15, 2011 to be eligible for consideration for the 2012 program. Please send completed applications to: Ford Friendship Express Program, 50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1000, Buffalo, NY 14202.
The WNY Ford Dealers will announce the 2012 Ford Friendship Express van recipient during the Buffalo Auto Show in February, rather than during the summer, as they’ve done in the past.
Now in its 17th year, the program has already awarded 65 vans valued at more than $1.2 million to area groups. Alcohol and Drug Dependency Services, Be-a-Friend/Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie County, and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Eden took home new Ford vehicles last summer to help with their transportation needs.
Additional past recipients include: Homespace Inc., Boys and Girls Clubs of the Northtowns, Computers for Children, Kids Escaping Drugs, SABAH, Meals on Wheels of Buffalo and Erie County, Friends of the Night People, St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy, Camp Good Days & Special Times, Student Union at SUNY at Buffalo, Goodwill Industries of Western New York, Rural Transit Service, American Red Cross, The Buffalo Zoo and many more.
About the Western New York Ford Dealers
The Western New York Ford Dealers are part of the Western New York Ford Stores, an advertising cooperative comprised of 31 dealer locations that provides support for Ford vehicle sales and service in the 13 counties of Western New York and Rochester, and two counties in Northern Pennsylvania.
Buffalo’s Turkey Trotters got a little extra motivation Thanksgiving morning, as the Western New York Ford Dealers surprised runners and spectators with a decked out Built Ford Tough F-150 pace truck, the official truck of the 116th annual YMCA Turkey Trot.
“The WNY Ford Dealers are proud to sponsor the YMCA Turkey Trot again this year,” said Chuck Basil, chairman of the WNY Ford Dealers. “We appreciate being a part of the fun Thanksgiving tradition that benefits a deserving organization, and attracts participants living in our community as well as those visiting for the holiday.”
WNY Ford’s Thanksgiving pace truck featured an oversized turkey’s backside, accompanied by a message that touted: “If you’re not the lead bird, the view never changes.” The pace truck, a Ford F-150 and America’s Best-Selling Truck for 34 years, led the way as 13,200 runners set a new record for the largest-ever Turkey Trot.
“When thinking about the design for this year’s pace truck, we were influenced by the fun nature of the Turkey Trot; every year the runners’ costumes get a little wilder,” added Basil. “We joined in on the fun by dressing up an F-150 to create a Thanksgiving Day parade float that was designed to get runners moving.”
In addition to the pace truck, the WNY Ford Dealers introduced a one-time-only Thanksgiving turkey mascot. The mascot handed out 116 Ford t-shirts (in honor of the 116th race anniversary) to runners and fans, posed for pictures, and cheered on participants along the way.
About the WNY Ford Dealers
The Western New York Ford Dealers are part of the Western New York Ford Stores, an advertising cooperative comprised of 31 dealer locations that provides support for Ford vehicle sales and service in the 13 counties of Western New York and Rochester, and two counties in Northern Pennsylvania.
BUFFALO, N.Y. – The Ford Dealers of Western New York are reminding area nonprofit organizations that the December 15 deadline is quickly approaching for eligible groups to apply for a new van through the 2012 Ford Friendship Express program. Now in its 17th year, the program has already awarded 65 vans valued at more than $1 million to area groups.
Applications and guidelines are available at www.wnyford.com under the “local events” tab. All applications from organizations residing in Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Allegany, McKean, and Potter counties must be returned and received by December 15, 2011 to be eligible for consideration for the 2012 program. Please send completed applications to: Ford Friendship Express Program, 50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1000, Buffalo, NY 14202.
The WNY Ford Dealers will announce the 2012 Ford Friendship Express van recipient during the Buffalo Auto Show in February, rather than during the summer, as they’ve done in the past.
Last summer, Alcohol and Drug Dependency Services, Be-a-Friend/Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie County, and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Eden took home new Ford vans, after meeting Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown and enjoying a Bisons Friday Night Bash baseball game.
Additional past recipients include: Homespace Inc., Boys and Girls Clubs of the Northtowns, Computers for Children, Kids Escaping Drugs, SABAH, Meals on Wheels of Buffalo and Erie County, Friends of the Night People, St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy, Camp Good Days & Special Times, Student Union at SUNY at Buffalo, Goodwill Industries of Western New York, Rural Transit Service, American Red Cross, The Buffalo Zoo and many more.
About the Western New York Ford Dealers
The Western New York Ford Dealers are part of the Western New York Ford Stores, an advertising cooperative comprised of 31 dealer locations that provides support for Ford vehicle sales and service in the 13 counties of Western New York and Rochester, and two counties in Northern Pennsylvania.
Congrats to Gail D – the lucky winner of the customized painted 2012 Focus, courtesy of the WNY Ford Dealers!
Gail’s name was selected from the text entries received during the WUTV/FOX-29 Art On Wheels Ford Focus Giveaway contest that aired during The Big Bang Theory tv show in September.
The custom Ford Focus was painted by local artist, Blair Rusin, at the 2011 Allen West Art Festvial in June in Buffalo, NY. Beginning late July and running through September, it made appearances throughout WNY at concert venues, festivals and events. Each exhibit featured the one-of-a-kind vehicle, and an 8-foot tall TV display showing a timelapse video of the stunt.
The Art on Wheels tour visited:
Eden Corn Festival
Delaware Park
Lewiston Art Festival
Erie County Fair
Darien Lake
Boulevard Mall
Buffalo Zoo
Curtain Up
Stop by your local Ford dealer today and check out the new 40 MPG 2012 Ford Focus!
About WNY Ford Dealers
The Western New York Ford Dealers are part of the Western New York Ford Stores, an advertising cooperative comprised of 31 dealer locations that provides support for Ford vehicle sales and service in the 13 counties of Western New York and Rochester, and two counties in Northern Pennsylvania.
“For nearly two decades, the WNY Ford Dealers have awarded new Ford vehicles to deserving organizations in our community,” said Scott Bieler, chairman, Ford Friendship Express selection committee. “Each year, we look forward to handing over the keys to the recipients knowing that the vans will be put to good use.”
Local nonprofits familiar with Ford Friendship Express may notice slight changes to the program:
• Applications are now available in October
• The deadline is now December 15 (formerly March 1)
The new timeframe allows the Ford Dealers to award vehicles during the Buffalo Auto Show in February, rather than during the summer, as they’ve done in the past.
“We’re excited to host the giveaway during one of our favorite events of the year, the Buffalo Auto Show,” said Bieler. “It adds a new level of excitement to be able to tell the Ford Friendship Express story while surrounded by car enthusiasts and Ford fans.”
Since its inception in 1996, the Ford Friendship Express program has awarded 65 vans valued at more than $1 million to area groups.
In 2011, Alcohol and Drug Dependency Services, Be-a-Friend/Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie County, and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Eden took home new Ford vans. Additional past recipients include: Homespace Inc., Boys and Girls Clubs of the Northtowns, Computers for Children, Kids Escaping Drugs, SABAH, Meals on Wheels of Buffalo and Erie County, Friends of the Night People, St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy, Camp Good Days & Special Times, Student Union at SUNY at Buffalo, Goodwill Industries of Western New York, Rural Transit Service, American Red Cross, The Buffalo Zoo and many more.
Applications and guidelines are available at www.wnyford.com under the “local events” tab. All applications from organizations residing in Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Allegany, McKean, and Potter counties must be returned and received by December 15, 2011 to be eligible for consideration for the 2012 program. Please send completed applications to: Ford Friendship Express Program, 50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1000, Buffalo, NY 14202.
About the Western New York Ford Dealers
The Western New York Ford Dealers are part of the Western New York Ford Stores, an advertising cooperative comprised of 31 dealer locations that provides support for Ford vehicle sales and service in the 13 counties of Western New York and Rochester, and two counties in Northern Pennsylvania.
“When have you ever seen anyone hand-paint an entire car?” said Chuck Basil, chairman of the WNY Ford Dealers. “This dramatic visual is sure to draw people in and get them asking about the newly designed Focus. It’s a beautiful vehicle and it gets 40 miles per gallon.”
The performance, engineering and technology coupled with its gas efficiency, make the Ford Focus exceed virtually any vehicle in its class. To illustrate this, the WNY Ford Dealers contacted a local artist to celebrate the car’s personality and infuse it with some of Buffalo’s colorful art culture.
The newly-painted 2012 Ford Focus will become the grand prize in a giveaway to be announced later this summer. The WNY Ford Dealers recently awarded a new Ford Fiesta to Rita Layer of Lockport through Kiss 98.5’s Fiesta de Mayo contest, and a Ford F-150 with EcoBoost™ to John Domres, Jr. of Buffalo at WYRK’s Taste of Country.
“All I can tell you is to stay tuned to find out when and where the Ford Dealers will give away this one-of-kind, Blair Rusin original, 2012 Ford Focus,” said Basil.
UPDATE: The WNY Ford Dealers have teamed up with WUTV-Fox to giveaway the painted 2012 Ford Focus through a texting promotion titled "Art on Wheels." To enter, contestants should tune in to The Big Bang Theory which will air weekdays at 6pm on WUTV Fox 29 beginning in September.
- Contestants will then text “FOCUS” to 21570 and enter “The Big Bang Theory Word of the Day” for that day. Standard text messaging rates apply to all text message entries sent.
- Contest starts on Monday, September 19, 2011. All entries must be received by the station by 11:59 on Monday, September 26, 2011.
- One winner will be selected by random drawing from among valid and correct entries on Tuesday, September 27, 2011.
- The winner will be announced live on Fox 29 before the Big Bang Theory on Friday, September 30.
About WNY Ford Dealers
The Western New York Ford Dealers are part of the Western New York Ford Stores, an advertising cooperative comprised of 31 dealer locations that provides support for Ford vehicle sales and service in the 13 counties of Western New York and Rochester, and two counties in Northern Pennsylvania.
About Blair Rusin
Blair Rusin became a commissioned portrait artist at the age of sixteen (Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame). To further his studies after high school, he studied at la Scuela de Medici, in Florence, Italy. There he focused his energies on expanding the depth of his artwork. Blair has learned from many different sources of creative influence. He has spent time as a graphic designer, muralist and as an architectural renderer.
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“I’ve never owned a brand new car!” said Layer. “Thanks to the Western New York Ford Dealers, I’m driving away with a great Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day and birthday gift. I can’t wait to go for a drive in my new Ford Fiesta.”
Beginning in April, eligible individuals entered for a chance to win a 2011 Ford Fiesta through the “Fiesta de Mayo” contest. Finalists were randomly selected by Kiss 98.5’s Listen to Win, Kiss VIP Club and Text-In Entry programs. Janet Snyder and Nicholas Picholas were on-hand to announce the winner, along with Chuck Basil of the Western New York Ford Dealers.
“This year the WNY Ford Dealers wanted to put the ‘Fiesta’ in Cinco de Mayo,” said Chuck Basil, representative for the Ford Dealers of Western New York. “The Ford Fiesta is not only a good-looking car, but it’s fun to drive and won’t drain you at the pump. Congratulations to Rita Layer for unwrapping the lucky key!”
About WNY Ford Dealers
The Western New York Ford Dealers are part of the Western New York Ford Stores, an advertising cooperative comprised of 31 dealer locations that provides support for Ford vehicle sales and service in the 13 counties of Western New York and Rochester, and two counties in Northern Pennsylvania.
“Transportation allows an organization to further its mission and continue to serve the surrounding community,” said Tom Shepard, representative for the Ford Friendship Express Selection Committee. “Mary Cariola Children’s Center will use the Ford Friendship Express van to transport students to daily activities and classes that prepare them with life skills to become as independent as possible.”
The Ford Friendship Express selection committee received a record 60 applications from organizations this year, nearly doubling what they have received in previous years. The committee narrowed the selection down to three finalists and invited them to the Rochester International Auto Show to reveal the van recipient. The finalists each opened a gift box to see who held the key to the 2011 Ford Transit Connect passenger van. Mary Cariola Children’s Center had the key that unlocked their new van.
The two runner-up organizations were surprised with a cash donation of $2,500 each to support their daily operations. They are the Future Boxing Club, Inc., an afterschool program focused on physical fitness to help fight obesity among at-risk, school-age youth; and The Center For Youth, a center offering confidential programs and services to 22,000 youth annually, some of whom are homeless or runaways.
Past Ford Friendship Express recipients include: The Academy for Career Development, Boys and Girls Club of Rochester, Easter Seals New York, Foodlink, Rochester St. Martin’s Boxing Club, Salvation Army, The Society for the Protection and Care of Children, Hickok Center for Brain Injury, and Wilson Commencement Park.
About The WNY Ford Dealers
The Western New York Ford dealers are part of the Western New York Ford Stores, an advertising cooperative comprised of 31 dealer locations, that provides support for Ford vehicle sales and service in the 13 counties of Western New York and two counties in Northern Pennsylvania.
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In 2010, Homespace, Inc. and the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Northtowns took home new Ford vans. Additional past recipients include: Computers for Children, Kids Escaping Drugs, SABAH, Meals on Wheels of Buffalo and Erie County, Friends of the Night People, St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy, Camp Good Days & Special Times, Student Union at SUNY at Buffalo, Goodwill Industries of Western New York, Rural Transit Service, American Red Cross, The Buffalo Zoo and more.
If your organization wants to drive into the summer season with a new Ford van, please visit www.WNYFord.com to download an application and guidelines. All applications from organizations residing in Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Allegany, McKean and Potter counties must be returned and received by March 1, 2011 to be eligible for consideration. Please send completed applications to: Ford Friendship Express Program, 50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1000, Buffalo, NY 14202.
The Ford Friendship Express van recipient in Western New York will be announced this spring.
About the Ford Dealers of Western New York
The Western New York Ford Dealers are part of the Western New York Ford Stores, an advertising cooperative comprised of 31 dealer locations that provide support for Ford vehicle sales and service in the 13 counties of Western New York and two counties in Northern Pennsylvania.
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The WNY Ford Dealers surprised the ten contestants with a second-chance shootout, the 2011 Ford Explorer Shootout: Overtime. The finalists lined back up and each took another shot, this time into a pond hockey net from 50 feet away. The prize was not a new Ford Explorer, rather, a new Apple iPad. Of the 10 shots, three made it in. Congrats to David Hollingworth (Grand Island), Chris Wells (Cattaraugus) and Peter Phillips (Orchard Park).
In January, eligible individuals entered their names into a sweepstakes for a chance to play in the 2011 Ford Explorer Hockey Shootout. Entry forms were located at over 50 local retailers including Tops Friendly Markets, Consumer’s Beverages and Dash’s Markets, and at local Ford dealerships and online at www.wnyford.com. Ten finalists were randomly-selected from the entries and took their shots in the order that their names were drawn.
“We didn’t want to send anyone home empty handed,” said Dave Smith, representative for the Ford Dealers of Western New York. “The finalists were good sports and deserved a second chance to walk away winners. We hope everyone enjoyed the 2011 Ford Explorer Hockey Shootout and the surprise Overtime.”
About WNY Ford Dealers
The Western New York Ford dealers are part of the Western New York Ford Stores, an advertising cooperative comprised of 31 dealer locations, that provides support for Ford vehicle sales and service in the 13 counties of Western New York and two counties in Northern Pennsylvania.
Past recipient organizations have used their vans for everything from transporting children to camp to picking up donated items and equipment. Past recipients include: The Academy for Career Development, Boys and Girls Club of Rochester, Easter Seals New York, Foodlink, Rochester St. Martin’s Boxing Club, Salvation Army, The Society for the Protection and Care of Children, Hickok Center for Brain Injury, and Wilson Commencement Park.
If your organization wants to drive into the summer season with a new Ford van, please visit www.RochesterAreaFordDealers.com to download an application and guidelines. All applications from organizations residing in Monroe, Genesee, Livingston, Ontario, and Wayne counties must be returned and received by February 15, 2011 to be eligible for consideration. Please send completed applications to: Ford Friendship Express Program, 50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1000, Buffalo, NY 14202.
The Ford Friendship Express van recipient will be announced live during the Rochester International Auto Show on Thursday, March 3, 2011.
About the Ford Dealers of Western New York
The Western New York Ford Dealers are part of the Western New York Ford Stores, an advertising cooperative comprised of 31 dealer locations that provide support for Ford vehicle sales and service in the 13 counties of Western New York and two counties in Northern Pennsylvania.
“The Western New York Ford Dealers have been so good to us, not only by donating a van for our day-to-day transportation needs, but by filling it with extra gifts just for the young families we serve. It was a great surprise,” Kim Morris, Executive Director, Homespace Inc. said in response to being awarded a new Ford van last summer.
We checked back in with Phil Penichter, chief professional officer at Boys and Girls Clubs of the Northtowns one month after receiving their new Ford Friendship Express van. “The Ford Friendship van has already taken our kids to a Bisons game, Krow’s Nest, and Adventure Landing on field trips… and to do volunteer work at the local food pantry, Weinberg Campus and Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper,” Penichter said. “This van has opened up new worlds for our kids exposing them to the wonders of Western New York. We are so appreciative of the generosity from the Ford Dealers."
There’s still time to apply for the 2011 program. Nonprofit organizations looking to drive into summer with a brand new Ford van should follow the guidelines below:
Past recipients include: Computers for Children, Kids Escaping Drugs, SABAH, Meals on Wheels of Buffalo and Erie County, Friends of the Night People, St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy, Camp Good Days & Special Times, Student Union at SUNY at Buffalo, Goodwill Industries of Western New York, Rural Transit Service, American Red Cross, The Buffalo Zoo and more.
For more information on the WNY Ford Dealers, visit www.wnyford.com.
About Ford Dealers of Western New York
The Ford Dealers are part of the Western New York Ford Stores, an advertising cooperative comprised of 31 dealer locations that provides support for Ford vehicle sales and service in the 13 counties of Western New York and two counties in Northern Pennsylvania.
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