Catholic Charities receives donation
from local automobile dealer
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Catholic Charities was on the receiving end of a generous donation from a local car dealer, following a unique fundraiser at Griffeth Ford Lincoln Mitsubishi.
CATHOLIC CHARITIES was on the receiving end of a $430 check Nov. 29. The funds were raised by Griffeth Ford locations in Presque Isle and Caribou, with a special event that provided participants an opportunity to check out the latest Ford Fusion and also take part in an “American Idol” judging activity, with those participants being eligible to win a trip to the see the popular TV show. 
Present at the Presque Isle dealership for the check presentation were, from left: Sales Representative Travis Ouellette; Dixie Shaw, director of Catholic Charities; Sherry Bradley, Griffeth’s customer relations manager; and Sales Representative Lucien Simard.
“We invited the public to attend our “Go Further with Ford Night” at our Griffeth Ford locations on Main Street in Presque Isle and Access Highway in Caribou on Nov. 15,” said Sherry Bradley, customer relations manager.
According to Bradley, this was Ford’s way of offering consumers the chance to “give back to their local communities, have a lot of fun, enjoy the final Random Act of Fusion — which tested their judging skills to win a unique VIP ‘American Idol’ experience — and meet the all-new Ford Fusion in person.”
“For each person who attended the event, Griffeth Ford donated $10, up to $500, to Catholic Charities of Maine,” said Bradley.
While at the dealership, participants had a unique opportunity to compete to win a special VIP experience with the popular musical television series, “American Idol.”
“A computer with a webcam was set up in our dealerships to allow consumers to view a special message from Ryan Seacrest, the show’s host, and test their judging skills on camera, in true ‘American Idol’ style,” said Bradley. The show premieres in January 2013 on the Fox network.
Participants viewed clips of contestants and had the opportunity to serve as judges, critiquing the performances.
“Entries were sent back to Ford’s program headquarters where a team of experts will evaluate and select one winner to receive an all-expenses-paid trip for two to Hollywood and a unique VIP experience with the popular television program,” said Bradley.
Those taking part in the Nov. 15 event were also entered into a prize drawing to win an all-new 2013 Ford Fusion. No purchase was necessary and other restrictions applied.
Between the two locations, approximately $430 was raised for Catholic Charities, with the check presentation taking place on Nov. 29 in Presque Isle. Representing Griffeth’s were Bradley and Sales Representatives Travis Ouellette and Lucien Simard; Dixie Shaw, director of Catholic Charities, accepted the check on behalf of the nonprofit agency that helps provide food to about two dozen food pantries throughout Aroostook County.
“This was one of the most unique fundraisers I’ve ever been involved in. It was really different and a lot of fun. The people who took part really had a great time,” said Shaw.
“It’s great when people can have fun raising funds that will help feed the county,” Shaw said.
