November 9, 2009


CONTACT:

Edison Ford Winter Estates Foundation
(239) 274-2377
info@edisonfordfoundation.org

Susan Bennett, APR, CPRC
Susan Bennett Marketing & Media
(239) 277-5255
sbennett@susanbennett.biz


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


GALA RAISES $146,000 FOR THE EDISON FORD HOME RESTORATION;
LIMITED EDITION PRINTS AVAILABLE FOR SALE

FORT MYERS, FLA., November 9, 2009 -- More than 350 guests dined, danced, and raised more than $146,000 at the Ninth Annual Edison Ford Winter Estates Foundation GALA, Friday, Nov. 6, on the grounds of the Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers.

A highlight of the evening was the live auction of three original pencil art masterpieces of all things Ford by renowned artist Wellington Ward. The three montages raised a total of $20,000, which will be used to support the preservation and restoration of the Edison and Ford Estates.

A limited edition set of prints of the three pieces is available for sale for $246 on the Estates' Web site at www.edisonfordfoundation.org or by calling the Foundation office at (239) 274-2377.

"We have just a few of these commemorative prints left for sale. There were only 146 printed. When they're gone, they are gone," said Gala Chairperson Katherine Dougherty. The three montages are created in fine lines and painstaking detail to show images of Ford's cars and winter home, also known as The Mangoes, as well as other interesting images of the past. The artwork honors Henry Ford's 146th birthday and the special friendship shared by Edison and Ford.

Gala is the signature fund-raising event of the Edison Ford Winter Estates Foundation, which raises funds to assist with the restoration and preservation of the Estates. This year's initiatives include restoration of the Edison Laboratory.

The evening also included a silent auction, along with a raffle for the lucky winner to enjoy a private riverside dinner for two, which was won by John Agnew of Fort Myers. The Foundation staff also announced the winners of the Graphic Artists Contest. Judy Lynn Mahon of J.L. Design in Naples won the promotional products category with her design, which is illustrated on a limited edition t-shirt that will be available for sale on the Foundation Web site throughout the next year.

Popular vote on the Foundation's Web site determined the winner of the theme category for next year's Gala, which was won by Dylan Drake of Drake Design in Fort Myers. "The theme 'Inspiration for the Ages' is classic in its simplicity with Henry Ford and Thomas Edison sitting together deep in conversation, as if discussing their next big invention or idea for the future," Barr said.

Founded in 1994, the Edison Ford Winter Estates Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to support preservation and restoration of the Thomas Edison & Henry Ford Winter Estates. The Edison Ford Winter Estates Foundation is the fund-raising arm dedicated to preserving the future of the Estates and the integrity of the property for future generations to enjoy.

For more information, contact the Edison Ford Winter Estates Foundation office at (239) 274-2377 or visit the Web site at www.edisonfordfoundation.org.

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All photos are identified left to right:


Photo 1: Artist Wellington Ward and Gala Committee Member Margie Willis await the live
auction of Ward's black and white pencil artwork masterpieces.




Photo 2: Mavis and Wayne Miller enjoy the evening with Berne Davis..




Photo 3: Harry Silverglide and Sandi Stilwell.




Photo 4: Gala Chair Katherine Galloway Dougherty with her husband, Tom Dougherty.




Photo 5: Master of Ceremonies Frank Mann prepares to open the live auction.




Photo 6: Susan Chicone and Joe Catti of FineMark National Bank and Trust display the
Wellington Ward original artwork that they purchased during the live auction.




Photo 7: Sam Galloway, Jr. (third from left) poses with his children after winning artwork
drawn by Wellington Ward. Others left to right are Sam Galloway III, Robert
Galloway, and Katherine Galloway Dougherty.