Ford Friendship Express applications available to nonprofit organizations

The Ford Dealers of Western New York are continuing their annual tradition of helping improve the quality of life throughout the region.

Local not-for-profit organizations can apply to the Ford Friendship Express program to be given a new Ford van. The application deadline is March 1, 2007 and van recipients will receive notification in the spring.

Now in its 12th year, the program has awarded 53 vans valued at more than $1 million. All nonprofit organizations within

the eight counties of Western New York and two counties in Northern Pennsylvania are eligible to apply.

“Our community is a wonderful place to live, and the Ford Dealers of Western New York want to give thanks for the many nonprofit organizations that work hard to keep it that way,” said Scott Bieler, chairman of the Ford Friendship Express Selection Committee. “The Ford Friendship Express program provides these deserving organizations with an essential need — transportation.”

Eligible candidates must be not-for-profit organizations located and operating in the area coinciding with the Western New York Ford Dealers. An application must be completed and submitted to the Ford Friendship Express Committee before the March 1, 2007 deadline.

Applications are available by logging on to www.wnyford. com or by sending a request to Ford Friendship Express Program, 50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1000, Buffalo, N.Y. 14202.