Ford Team Raises Most Money In 2005 Variety Bash

The 15th annual Variety Bash finished in Hamilton on the weekend, and with all buckets counted the Bashers helped raise more than $400,000 for the children of New Zealand.

The Ford Rat Pack team did their bit as well –winning the NZ Post award for being the corporate team to raise the most money – which is the second time in three years that the team has received this recognition.

"Raising the most money was a goal we had from the outset," said Rat Pack Captain, Ed Finn.

"Generous donations to the team by Allan Dickinson (Corporate Cabs) and Perry Scarfe (Tyres4U) to sponsor comedian Ewen Gilmour's free performance to the Bashers in Tauranga helped swell the final team total."

Ford New Zealand staff also did their bit for the charity as well, when they donated a gold coin for the privilege of wearing jeans to work on two consecutive Fridays prior to the Bash.

Over the week of the Bash, more than $220,000 was distributed to needy schools and organisations in the form of cash grants, ten Plunket Seats, three Ford Econovan Sunshine Coaches and a Liberty Swing. More than 65 schools received a visit from the Bashers.

Ford (along with McDonalds), was also presented with a special commemorative award recognizing the Motor Company's 15 year support of the Variety Bash.

"The award is a tribute to all of the people here at Ford who have entered into the spirit of Variety over the past 15 years," said Mr. Finn.

"It is also a tribute to Louise Teesdale, a lady who first started the relationship between Ford and Variety in New Zealand. This commemorative award is in recognition of her efforts."

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Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures and distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With more than 328,000 employees worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Aston Martin, Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercury and Volvo. Its automotive-related services include Ford Credit, Quality Care and Hertz. Ford Motor Company celebrated its 100th anniversary on June 16, 2003.

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