Six Dealers Saluted by Ford
Drawn from a field of 100 nominees from around the world, six standout dealers were recently honored for their “unparalleled dedication to their communities” as part of the 12th annual Ford Salute to Dealers Awards. The recognition program is overseen by automaker board member Edsel B. Ford II, who, along with three other judges, this year extended Salute to Dealers honors to:
Alton Blakely of Alton Blakely Ford Lincoln, Somerset, Ky.—Blakely is committed to improving the quality of life of his community’s residents, especially by boosting local educational opportunities. This includes providing significant financial and volunteer support to the Somerset Pulaski Country School.
John Bergstrom of Bergstrom Ford, Neenah, Wis.—A contributor to hundreds of community causes, including the local efforts of the United Way, Boys and Girls Club and Make-A-Wish Foundation, Bergstrom also is known for his very generous charitable support on a national level.
Gus Machado of Gus Machado Ford, Hialeah, Fla.—In addition to backing the philanthropic efforts of others, Machado developed the Gus Machado Family Foundation specifically to help organizations that promote cancer research, healthy living and youth education.
Sun Qingping, Shanxi Dachang Automobile, China—Sun is an avid supporter of local community development and environmental protection, and she and her team were vital to the building of two primary schools in low-income areas. Sun also has been involved in China’s Project Hope since 1999.
Oscar and Fernando Villanueva, Grupo Viamaro, Dominican Republic—Among other noteworthy activities, the Villanuevas created a Dominican foundation to assist individuals living with Down syndrome and donated half the money necessary to send their country’s team to the World Special Olympics.
John Hynansky, Winner Imports, Ukraine—A tireless supporter of children’s charities, Hynansky focuses much of his energy on Hope and Homes for Children in Ukraine, and also was a major contributor to an effort to purchase medical incubators for premature babies born in rural areas of the country.
The Salute to Dealer Awards were presented early in February at the National Automobile Dealers Association Convention in Las Vegas.