FORD SALUTE TO DEALERS AWARD

What is the Ford Salute to Dealers Award?

The Ford Salute to Dealers Award is a Ford Motor Company initiative that works to recognize and honor Ford Dealer Principals who have gone above and beyond to help improve their local communities by providing an extraordinary commitment of time and resources to various non-profits and other meaningful organizations in the community.

This is the 22nd year that the Salute to Dealers Award was founded by Edsel B. Ford II.  “I am honored to recognize our dealers for all they do to support communities across the globe every day. They have made such a positive impact on our world and made it a better place while doing so,” said Henry Ford III who has championed the Salute to Dealers Award.

Each year Ford Dealers around the globe are nominated for the annual Salute to Dealers Award. This year there were 60 different Ford Dealers that were nominated. A panel of judges then select the Honorees based on the individual activities, length of participation and personal motivation. To honor and recognize the Ford Dealer Honorees, Ford creates a Salute to Dealers Tribute Video that highlights each Dealer's amazing contributions. 

Additionally, the honorees receive an exclusive painted portrait that features a montage of the Ford Dealer's philanthropic efforts and involvement in their communities. Copies of the portraits will be on display in the Salute To Dealers display in the lobby of Ford’s World Headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan for year-round viewing.  Ford Motor Company Fund also donates $10,000, in the Honoree’s name, to a charity of their choice.

Sheehy Salute to Dealers Award Winner

This year Vince Sheehy was selected as a 2022 Salute to Dealers Honoree for Vince's contributions to the American Heart Association and the Metropolitan School of Professional Studies throughout the years. 

“I am honored and humbled to be among only six automotive dealers to be recognized with this award,” said Sheehy, who operates five Ford dealerships throughout Virginia and Maryland. “Community service has always been a cornerstone of our corporate culture, and I accept the award on behalf of the entire Sheehy team."

Vince Sheehy has selected World Central Kitchen’s Ukrainian efforts as the recipient of this donation. World Central Kitchen has provided tens of millions of fresh, nourishing meals for communities around the world since 2010.  This donation will go toward emergency food relief efforts for Ukrainians in need.

The Sheehy team is committed to working tirelessly to enrich lives in the many communities where the stores are located.  Each store is actively committed to be strong and sustaining partners to the local non-profit community.

Each year, Sheehy Auto Stores conducts a 50-day dealership and community-wide effort that raises awareness and critical funds for the American Heart Association to help build healthier lives. In addition to contributing significant donations, Sheehy and his team spend countless hours preparing for and conducting this far-reaching and impactful initiative. Public service announcements, seminars, blood pressure screenings and CPR training are just a few of the many facets included.

Community involvement stretches to each of his dealerships where annually, each store makes a financial contribution to a charity of choice.  These charities include homeless shelters, soup kitchens, Ronald McDonald House Charities and many others. Additionally, in December, each store is a drop off location for the Holiday Toy Drive.  Sheehy is also committed to fostering education. A foundation, started by his father, provides funds to schools with programs that support underprivileged students and underserved communities. Realizing that education alone is not always enough, Sheehy has provided staff and funding for the Innocence Project at the University of Virginia to facilitate the release of wrongfully convicted individuals from prison.