GREGG MIDDLEKAUFF RECOGNIZED WITH PRESTIGIOUS NATIONAL COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

GREGG MIDDLEKAUFF RECOGNIZED WITH PRESTIGIOUS NATIONAL COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

President of Middlekauff Ford Lincoln Mercury earns Ford 'Salute To Dealers' award

 

TWIN FALLS, ID - December 15, 2009 - In recognition of his outstanding corporate citizenship and contributions to the community, Gregg Middlekauff has earned a Salute To Dealers award from Ford Motor Company. He is one of four North American dealers who will receive the tenth annual tribute at a ceremony held February 12 preceding the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Convention in Orlando. Honorees were selected from among nearly 6,000 dealers across the United States and Canada for exhibiting unparalleled dedication to their communities. 

The list of Middlekauff's community activities is staggering in its scope, but is built around a single theme:  helping the youth of Twin Falls and the Magic Valley.  From being the president of the local Boys and Girls Club to providing thousands of dollars for student scholarships, to helping individual families in times of crisis and creating the Middlekauff Foundation, Gregg knows the future is in our children. 

"Gregg spends just as much time, if not more, working with charitable organizations than he does working at the dealership," wrote Conn Famuliner, Zone Manager for Ford Motor Company in his nomination of Middlekauff. "Twin Falls and the Magic Valley are a far better place to live because of Gregg Middlekauff and the example he sets for others." 

"The great thing about Gregg is he doesn't expect awards and will continue to give and support those in need simply because he doesn't know how to live any other way," continued Famuliner.  "He is a big man with an even bigger heart, and no one is more giving or more accessible to this community." 

Middlekauff Foundation sets the tone

The Middlekauff Foundation, founded by Gregg and his wife Sallee in 2000, supports many causes and children throughout the Magic Valley. The motto, "Change a child's life, Change the world" reflects their commitment to the youth in the area. "That is my primary area of focus - I try to do everything I can possibly do to point children in the right direction," said Middlekauff. 

Gregg's involvement extends far beyond his own foundation, however.  He also sits on the board of directors for the Southern Idaho Learning Center, an organization that works with children who have learning disabilities, once again contributing time and money assuring its success.  The entire Middlekauff family is involved in the St. Luke's Hospital Foundation for the construction of a new hospital.  Every year, Gregg helps the Danny Marona Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation, assisting with their annual charity auction and fundraiser for performing arts students. 

Gregg's support of students and youth extends through high school and college as well.   He has provided scholarships for over 50 Magic Valley and surrounding area High School students and set up a matching scholarship fund for the Medford High School reunion.  The $20,000 raised last year will provide 10 years of financial assistance for five students.   

Middlekauff also sponsored a college scholarship for a local Miss Twin Falls Pageant winner, including providing a new car each year of college.   At the same time, he also provides a new car to a selected Boise State University student athlete, and has supported the College of Southern Idaho and their athletic department over the last nine years with donations totaling over $100,000. 

Middlekauff's community involvement is evident during times of individual need as well.  Recently, Gregg personally paid to have a video produced with a full film crew in the hopes of helping a local family get a new home on ABC's Extreme Home Makeover, lining up a contractor that would donate all the work.  He supported a family where both the mother and father died in one year.  He arranged for the funeral of another young child lost tragically in a car accident and set up a memorial fund for the family.   

In the end, Gregg firmly believes in the power of selflessness.  "When it's all said and done, I hope Sallee and I are remembered for a lot more than just selling cars." 
 

An Important Ford Motor Company Tradition

Salute To Dealers is conducted under the guidance of Edsel B. Ford II, a member of Ford's Board of Directors. The program was launched in 2001 to demonstrate the company's commitment to its thousands of dealer principals who step beyond their showroom doors to make a difference where they live and work. Each honoree will be recognized at a reception held on February 12, 2010 preceding the three-day National Automobile Dealers Association Convention in Orlando.  

Edsel B. Ford II and three other judges selected winners from a field of 69 nominees located in 31 states and two countries based on community service activities, length of participation and personal motivation. Regional representatives for all Ford Motor Company brands - Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, and Volvo - submitted nominations.   

A painted portrait of each honoree will have a montage of philanthropic and volunteer activities that led to the award. Duplicates of the portraits will join a Salute To Dealers display in the lobby of Ford's World Headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan for year-round viewing.

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 200,000 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