DEARBORN, Mich., April 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) proudly continues its 25 year relationship with Zoo Atlanta and returns as the Beastly Feast presenting sponsor.
“The Silverback Gorilla Gala,” is the 2010 theme for the annual Beastly Feast fundraiser benefiting Zoo Atlanta, taking place on May 15, 2010. This black tie event is one of the most successful fundraisers in the state of Georgia. The event has raised more than $17 million in gross funds in the past 25 years.
Ford became Zoo Atlanta’s first significant corporate partner in 1985, during a time of crisis at the Zoo. Since that time, Ford’s contributions total nearly $12 million and have funded the Ford African Rain Forest, the Living Tree House, the Ford Pavilion, the Ford Willie B. Conservation Center and helped to install 21 new park benches and other facility upgrades.
“Ford Motor Company is proud to have been a catalyst to the Zoo’s transformation,” said Mark Street, sales and marketing manager for Ford’s Southeast Market Area and Zoo Atlanta board vice-chair. “In the past 25 years, Zoo Atlanta has become a treasured part of our city and a leader in the zoological community.”
In recognition of its long-term partnership, Zoo Atlanta has given Ford naming rights to one of the Zoo’s gorillas due to be born this spring. This new addition will reside in the Ford African Rain Forest and will be a grandchild of the Conversation Center’s namesake, Willie B., who came to represent the Zoo’s resurgence.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 198,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.
About Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services
Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services is a community relations and philanthropic non-profit funded by Ford Motor Company. Ford Fund supports initiatives and institutions that foster and promote innovation in education, greater automotive safety and American heritage and diversity. For more information about programs made possible by Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services, please visit www.community.ford.com, www.volunteer.ford.com orwww.abrighterfuture.ford.com.
