Ford Highlights Commitment to Detroit, Military Members and Social Services During 56th Annual Ford Fireworks

Ford Motor Company, which marks its 111th anniversary this week, highlights a long-standing commitment to southeast Michigan with celebrations of Detroit, the nation’s military and Cass Community Social Services at the annual Ford Fireworks on Monday, June 23.

Ford is title sponsor of the Ford Fireworks in Detroit through a multiyear partnership with The Parade Company. Featuring more than 10,000 pyrotechnic effects visible for miles along the Detroit River, the fireworks event, now in its 56th year, will begin at 10:06 p.m.

As part of the celebration, Ford Motor Company Fund, the company’s philanthropic arm, is partnering with Yankee Air Museum in Belleville, Michigan, to host Focus on Freedom – an exclusive event honoring past and present members of the military. More than 250 active and retired military veterans and their families, including Tuskegee Airmen, the Ford Veterans Network Group, Disabled American Veterans and Yankee Air Museum guests, have been invited to enjoy an up-close view of this year’s fireworks in appreciation of their service and commitment to our nation.

Ford is also supporting Cass Community Social Services on its signature annual fundraiser, Catch the Fireworks. Former Detroit Piston and NBA Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas will serve as honorary chair. The event will take place at Coach Insignia restaurant atop the Renaissance Center, where guests will be able to watch the fireworks display.

“Ford has shown for more than a century that we build more than great cars and trucks – we build communities,” said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services. “We are honored to support Detroit’s signature fireworks display and bring people together in celebration of our city, our military and those who provide important social services.”

Over the past 10 years, Ford Fund has donated $150 million to organizations throughout southeast Michigan, supporting community, education and vehicle safety programs. In addition, Ford employees around the world donate their time and expertise to community improvement projects. Earlier this month, more than 500 local volunteers participated in dozens of projects for an Accelerated Action Day focused on the environment.

The Ford Fireworks can be viewed on WDIV-Local 4’s live broadcast beginning at 8 p.m. News/Talk 760 WJR will do a special radio simulcast throughout the event and provide up-to-the-minute traffic and weather information throughout the day.

About Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services

Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services works with community partners to advance driving safety, education and community life. The Ford Motor Company Fund has operated for more than 60 years with ongoing funding from Ford Motor Company. Ford Driving Skills for Life teaches new drivers through a variety of hands-on and interactive methods. Innovation in education is encouraged through programs that enhance high school learning and provide college scholarships and university grants. Through the Ford Volunteer Corps, more than 25,000 Ford employees and retirees each year work on projects that better their communities in 30 countries. For more information, visit http://community.ford.com.

For news releases, related materials and high-resolution photos and video, visit www.media.ford.com.
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