FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE/SAVE THE DATE
Contact:
Melinda Isley, Gravina, Smith, Matte & Arnold Marketing & Public Relations, 239-275-5758, ext. 12, misley@gravinasmith.com
Edison-Ford Winter Estates Foundation Announces Date Change for 10th Anniversary Gala
Ford CEO Alan Mulally will be honored guest speaker at Inspiration for the Ages themed fundraiser
FORT MYERS, Fla. (Sept. 2, 2010) - The 10th Anniversary Edison-Ford Winter Estates Foundation Gala has been moved to Sat., Jan. 15, 2011.
Alan Mulally, president and CEO of Ford Motor Company will be the honored guest speaker at the Gala that was originally scheduled for Friday, Nov. 5, 2010.
"Mr. Mulally is one of the most respected business leaders in the world today and we felt it was important that people have the opportunity to hear from him and, therefore, a date change was warranted to keep that as part of the program," said Sam Galloway Jr.
The event will be held on the historic grounds once owned by Thomas Edison and Henry Ford located at 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers and will celebrate the innovative and inspirational spirit of these two pioneers who made Fort Myers their winter home. The black-tie fundraiser's goal is to support the preservation and restoration of the Estates.
The event, themed Inspiration for the Ages, will start with a reception and dinner on the grounds of the Estates at 5:30 p.m. followed by live entertainment and dancing. In line with the evening's theme, Mulally will discuss how innovation, communication, passion and following the correct course of action can benefit today's culture and business leaders.
Throughout his career, Mulally has been recognized for his contributions and industry leadership, including being named one of the World's Most Influential People by Time magazine in their 2009 TIME 100 issue, Person of the Year for 2006 by Aviation Week magazine and one of The Best Leaders of 2005 by BusinessWeek magazine. Prior to joining Ford in September 2006, Mulally served as executive vice president of The Boeing Company, and president and chief executive officer of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. At Ford, Mulally has helmed a dramatic turnaround that has revitalized the company's product lineup and boosted market share to its highest level in decades, even as the auto industry has been stricken with recession stress.
The Southwest Florida Ford dealers, comprised of individually owned dealerships in Lee, Charlotte, Collier and Hendry counties, have signed on as the presenting sponsors of the event.
Event and table sponsorships are now available ranging from $5,000 to $15,000. Reserved tables for eight are available for $2,600. Individual tickets are subject to availability and available for $350 per person.
The Edison-Ford Winter Estates Foundation is the fundraising arm dedicated to preserving the future of the Estates and the integrity of the property. Founded in 1994, the Edison-Ford Winter Estates Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the preservation and restoration of the Thomas Edison and Henry Ford Winter Estates. The Edison Estate was deeded to the City of Fort Myers by Mrs. Thomas (Mina) Edison in 1947 and opened to the public later that year. The Ford Estate was purchased by the Estates in 1988 and opened to the public in 1990.
For more information about the Edison-Ford Winter Estates Foundation Gala, contact the office at 239-274-2377 or visit www.edisonfordfoundation.org.
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