A car dealership may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of community involvement, but Ford of Valpo certainly should be! Every month they participate in or sponsor a variety of events aimed at improving and supporting the community they work in. Events range from month to month in number, scope, and type, but it can be counted on that the people at Ford of Valpo will be involved in something to benefit the community.
Community involvement is very important to Ford of Valpo. Not only do they support organizations by sponsoring them, but they also encourage their employees to get out there and participate within the community. Becoming a presence in the community is important, not just for business reasons.
“Every market that we go into, we support school districts and park districts. We get sewn into the fabric of the community,” Said Leo Sfikas, General Manager for Ford of Valpo. “We can’t just take and take.”
Giving back is important and necessary for creating a good relationship with people that support the business. One of the many charities that Ford of Valpo supports is the Folds of Honor Foundation. Supporting charities such as this not only supports education, but veterans and their families as well.
“Our number one charity is actually the Folds of Honor Foundation, for which we hold a car show here every Memorial Day weekend. Folds of Honor is a nonprofit organization that pays for fallen and injured soldiers’ children and spouses to go to college,” said Shannon Jamieson, the Administrative Assistant and Events Coordinator for Ford of Valpo.
Support from Ford of Valpo doesn’t end there! They’re also involved in numerous community events and activities to help support schools, churches, and family fun.
“We are hosting a Drive 4 UR School event at Union Township Middle School to raise funds for the school. For each valid test drive, Ford will donate $20 to the school!” said Jamieson.
Having this much community involvement is a great thing, something that benefits not only the dealership, but the employees and their families as well. Supporting community events should be important to all businesses in the area, which is something Ford of Valpo knows and practices each month.
Recently they’ve sponsored the Harley Davidson Cruise-Ins, Valparaiso Events Movie Nights, and tailgated at the Porter County Fair before the Toby Keith Concert. They may be out working hard, handing out goodies, or displaying their vehicles at various events, but don’t be afraid to stop and talk to them for a few minutes. Business or not, they’re always interested in talking with members of their community!
Ford of Valpo will also be sponsoring or hosting the following events in August, so stop by and say hello if you see them working in the community. They’re “Nice People to do Business With” but a great presence in the local community as well!
Saturday, August 12th
- Hole-in-One for Safety Kleen at The Course at Aberdeen in Valparaiso.
Saturday, August 19th
- Drive 4 UR School at Union Township Middle School from 10am-1pm
- Central Avenue Church of God Family Fun-day in Portage from 1pm - 6pm
Saturday, August 26th
- Valpo Parks "Valpo Night Ride"
Sunday, August 27th
- Golf Outing with the NWI Folds of Honor Foundation at The Course at Aberdeen in Valparaiso
