Generosity can go a long way.
Phil Waterford of Waterford Ford & Exotic High Line proved just that with his selection of the Not Forgotten Foundation for the recent Drive 4 UR Community event.
Pastor Mike Dillman is the catalyst behind ‘Not Forgotten,’ which is the annual event that takes place each Memorial Day weekend in Manteca with the purpose of honoring those who served in the military, especially the fallen heroes and their families.
Each year, a Ford vehicle made possible by Waterford Ford is raffled off during the local Memorial Day event (more on that).
According to Dillman, Ford Motor’s Drive 4 UR Community paid $20 to each person at Waterford Ford who test drove a Ford vehicle during the recent three-day weekend.
“The result of that was $4,500 from Ford Motors (via Waterford and his dealership) was given to the Not Forgotten Foundation,” he said on Monday.
Waterford and Dillman, in turn, donated funds from that to the Manteca Mural Society and American Legion McFall-Grisham Post 249. Each received $2,000.
The Legion hall at 220 E. Yosemite Ave. is currently undergoing renovation towards becoming ADA compliant. A ramp to help the physically disabled gain access to the aging building was recently installed. Future plans call for remodeling the interior, doing away with stage while making the restrooms and kitchen handicap accessible.
Post Commander Bob Gonzales was on hand to accept the donation for the American Legion.
Likewise for Ron Cruz for the Manteca Mural Society, who is a Vietnam veteran serving as the liaison for the Vietnam Memorial project.
Not present was Draymond Green.
The Golden State Warriors All-Star forward is currently training with the Team USA basketball in preparation for the Summer Olympic Games in Rio.
Green, who, according to Dillman, purchased 100 tickets on behalf of his foundation, was the winner of the 2015 Ford Fiesta on Memorial Day.
“He does plenty of work with underprivileged (children and families) during the year,” Dillman said. “I’m sure the car will go to a good cause.”
To contact reporter Vince Rembulat, e-mail vrembulat@mantecabulletin.com.