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For Bess and her staff at Gresham Ford, community-giving means more than just writing a check. In the past three years, Bess and her 60 employees have involved the dealership in dozens of local causes – giving their time and resources as well as money. “Our philosophy is that charity begins at home,” Bess says, explaining that every employee at Gresham Ford contributes some portion of his or her paycheck to a collective fund. A committee of those employees than decides how those proceeds will be disbursed. |
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In addition to the employee giving, Gresham Ford also uses its resources to help non-profit and community groups. It has, for example, donated portions of its advertising space or airtime for charitable causes, and it has donated vehicles for events that benefit non-profit groups. It has been Bess’s passion to help local churches and charities. One way is though the Gresham Ford Tithe Back program. When a non-profit supporter gives us the opportunity to perform any service or repair work on their vehicle we will donate 10% of their bill, parts and labor, to their church, charity or non-profit of choice. We will also donate $100 for every vehicle a supporter purchases, and it doesn’t matter if it is new or used. Bess just asks that you not mention the $100 donation until after the purchase has been finalized. She would hate for anyone to think a donation was merely added in to the price. “We’re not about writing checks here,” says Wills who is vice president and general manager of the Ford dealership. By becoming directly involved in organizations and events, the dealership and its employees strengthen their connection to the local community. Good deeds also help Gresham Ford live up to its image as the “Ford Dealership with a heart”. |
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Here is a partial list of the organizations that have been helped. |
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