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Cynthia and Edsel B. Ford II Named Honorary Chairs for The Elegance at Hershey

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"We are extremely pleased and honored that Cynthia and Edsel Ford will join us this year as our Honorary Chairs," noted Joannie Rich, a member of The Elegance at Hershey Board in announcing the Fords' participation. "Like many of us, Cynthia and Edsel Ford have a deep personal commitment toward finding a cure for type 1 diabetes. That, coupled with the iconic Ford name, makes their personal support of The Elegance at Hershey even more dynamic," she said.

The great-grandson of Henry Ford, Edsel B. Ford II and his wife Cynthia are civic philanthropists serving many organizations throughout Southeastern Michigan, where they reside, and around the country. However the Fords are most passionate about the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), which dedicates itself to finding a cure for type 1 diabetes. Through Mrs. Ford's activities on the JDRF International Board and Mr. Ford's activities on the Ford Motor Company Global Walk Team, they are confident that a cure will be found during the lifetime of their son Albert, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes more than 15 years ago.

The Elegance at Hershey is comprised of three days of events showcasing some of the most beautiful and sought after collector automobiles in the world. Two days of vintage auto racing in a revival of the historic Hershey Hill Climb, a runners' race, a gala dinner and charity auction are all part of The Elegance at Hershey activities. The highlight of the weekend is The Elegance, a Concours d'Elegance showing of more than 60 cars arrayed through the formal gardens at The Hotel Hershey®. Proceeds from The Elegance at Hershey events raise money for JDRF, the AACA Museum and the AACA Library and Research Center.

"The first Elegance at Hershey last June raised more than $200,000 for our beneficiaries," Rich explained. "We are expanding our program this year so we can continue our success."

Mrs. Ford is also chair of JDRF International Board Government Relations Committee and is a member of the Michigan Chapter of the International Women's Forum.

Mr. Ford is a consultant to the Ford Motor Company and a member of its Board of Directors. He is the owner and chairman of Pentastar Aviation, an aviation services provider headquartered at the Oakland County International Airport in suburban Detroit. Mr. Ford is also the majority owner and chairman of Marketing Associates, a Detroit-based marketing services organization. He is a Board Director of International Speedway Corporation and also the former Chairman of the Detroit branch of the Chicago Federal Reserve Bank. Mr. Ford serves as a board member of The Henry Ford Automotive Hall of Fame, the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum and the Skillman Foundation.

Both Cynthia and Edsel Ford are recipients of numerous humanitarian awards and were honored in 1996 by the National Society of Fundraising Executives as outstanding philanthropists.

More information on The Elegance at Hershey events, including a full schedule and ticket information can be found at www.TheEleganceAtHershey.com. The Elegance at Hershey is an independent non-profit charitable 501(c)3 organization established to help find a cure for juvenile diabetes and to protect the rich resource of our automotive heritage. All donations are tax deductible in accordance with IRS regulations.

www.TheEleganceAtHershey.com

SOURCE The Elegance at Hershey