Ford, Lincoln Mercury Dealers Team Up to Fight Breast Cancer with ...

Ford, Lincoln Mercury Dealers Team Up to Fight Breast Cancer with ...

Ford Corporate - Ford, Lincoln Mercury Dealers Team Up to Fight Breast Cancer with 'Car Care for a Cause' in April

... DEARBORN, Mich., March 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Can an oil change fight cancer? Ford Customer Service Division (FCSD) is betting on it with a unique new Car Care for a Cause event during April's National Car Care Month that includes making a $100,000 donation to Susan G. Komen for the Cure on behalf of its Ford and Lincoln Mercury dealerships' service customers.

FCSD is joining forces with Ford Division's Warriors in Pink initiative, which raises funds for Susan G. Komen for the Cure through the sale of unique, specially designed apparel, gear and other items that feature bold symbols that represent the Warrior spirit of taking charge, living out loud, harnessing power and standing together.

In addition to helping in the long-term fight against breast cancer, Ford and Lincoln Mercury dealership service customers can reap some immediate rewards, including no payments and interest-free financing for products and services, spa gift cards and free TripTunes car stereo connectors. Oil change reminder stickers with the Susan G. Komen for the Cure logo are just one way of increasing awareness and donations to the worthwhile cause....

"Even something so small can make a big difference," said Cindy Schneible, vice president of resource development, Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Radio spots will air during the month-long promotion, featuring the hit single, "I Run for Life." Grammy Award-winning singer Melissa Ethridge, herself a breast cancer survivor, produced the song for Ford as an anthem for the fight against breast cancer.

"This program is an exciting new opportunity for our customers to join us in the battle against breast cancer and take care of their vehicles at the same time," said Darryl Hazel, president, Ford Customer Service Division, and senior vice president, Ford Motor Company. "FCSD is proud to provide a new means to support all of the women, men and children affected by breast cancer and contribute to Ford Motor Company's longstanding relationship with the Komen organization."

More information about FCSD's Car Care for a Cause promotion can be found at www.GenuineService.com/pink .

Ford has dedicated more than $87 million in cash and in-kind donations to Susan G. Komen for the Cure since forming a partnership 12 years ago when it became a national sponsor of the Komen Race for the Cure(R) Series. In 2006, Ford Division strengthened its commitment with Warriors in Pink, which has united designers, celebrities, breast cancer patients, survivors, Ford employees and everyday people to help raise awareness and much-needed funds for research.

For more information about Warriors in Pink or to purchase Warriors items, go to www.fordcares.com . All net proceeds from Warriors purchases are donated to the Komen group.

"For the past 25 years, Susan G. Komen for the Cure has been on a mission to end breast cancer forever," Schneible said. "Programs such as Car Care for a Cause are an integral part of that mission, helping us reach millions of consumers with life-saving breast health messages and raising funds that support breast cancer research and community outreach programs."

FCSD chose April, National Car Care Month, for its promotion because it is one of the busiest times of the year for vehicle service. "More people coming in to care for their vehicle means more people exposed to Komen's important messages, including steps to early detection," said Telisa Roberson-Yancy, marketing manager, Owner Loyalty & Communications.

From April 2-28, customers can also take advantage of high-value service offerings such as:

-- No payments or interest until 2008 on all Genuine Credit Card purchases of more than $150

-- Guaranteed lowest tire prices

-- $50 or $100 SpaFinder.com gift cards with the purchase of select Goodyear tires

-- "The Works" fuel saver package free with purchase of Michelin or BF Goodrich tires

-- TripTunes stereo connector free with the purchase of Continental or General tires

Participating dealers can further demonstrate their commitment to the fight against breast cancer by distributing general health, awareness and detection information from Komen, local Race for the Cure schedules, race training guides and merchandise.

"Our Car Care for a Cause program gives Ford and Lincoln Mercury dealers the opportunity to provide yet another reason for current and new customers to come into the dealership for great service while supporting a worthy cause. There is no better time to come to the dealership for service," said Mike Rosingana, FCSD advertising manager. "We're encouraging our dealers to make this a really dynamic, event and show their customers how much Ford cares about its communities."

Thousands of Ford dealers across the nation are already involved in the fight against breast cancer by participating in the Komen Race for the Cure(R) in their community. More than 50,000 Ford employees have run or walked in races across the country as proud torchbearers of Ford's commitment to the cause. For information on Komen Race for the Cure(R) in your area, call (888) 603-RACE or visit www.komen.org.

"The program is a great asset that Ford Motor Company has provided. It's a big opportunity for individual dealers to demonstrate our support for the cause at the local level," said Doug Krieger, owner of Krieger Ford dealership in Columbus, Ohio.

Source: Ford Customer Service Division

Source: [url=http://www.autospectator.com/modules/news/article.php?storyid=8720]Auto Spectator[/url]