Category Archives: Edison Ford Foundation

 For further information, please call:

Carolyn Rogers, PR Counsel

239-278-3900, 239-850-5020 cell

Carolyn@BriggsRogers.com

Local Artist Creates Commemorative Works of Art in Honor of

Henry Ford’s 146^th Birthday

To be Celebrated at Edison Ford Estates Foundation’s Upcoming Gala

            (Fort Myers, FL – September 15, 2009) — Bidders will be pleased to find something special on the auction list at The Edison Ford Winter Estates Foundation’s 9th fund-raising gala to be held Friday evening, November 6, 2009, at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates.  Fort Myers’ renowned artist Wellington Ward, 75, is contributing pencil art masterpieces of all things Ford.  The montages will feature images from Ford’s cars and winter home, also known as The Mangoes, to other interesting images of the past.

            Ward is currently one third of the way through his first of three planned pencil art pieces masterfully done in fine lines with painstaking detail.  Known for his Fort Myers Centennial prints produced in 1985, Ward’s love of the area has been evident in his work which has mostly been done in acrylics.

            “I haven’t painted in four years,” said Ward about his dedication to caring for his ailing wife, former Sanibel School Principal Barbara Ward.  “I’m using this as an inspiration to an open door for me, to showcase my work once again– I think I’m more excited about this than the organizers at the Foundation are!”

            Art has been Ward’s life’s work which includes a career as art director for the Department of Defense and four commissions for NASA.  He’s not new to creating art for the Estates.  His offerings in the past have fetched $50,000 for the restoration of the estates.  And, his Fort Myers Centennial contribution helped to fund the city’s entire celebration in 1985.

            Raised in Virginia, Ward attended art school at the Richmond Professional Institute, now known as Virginia Commonwealth University.  He moved to Southwest Florida in the early 1970s. 

            The live auction is part of the Edison Ford Winter Estates Foundation’s signature fundraising event, a tribute to the estates’ esteemed former residents.   All the profits raised at the 9^th annual gala will further the mission of the Foundation: restoration and preservation of the estates where Thomas Edison and Henry Ford wintered.   A 5:30 p.m. cocktail reception precedes a dinner, live auction, and dancing to the music of Alter Ego.  The event is black tie.  Tickets are $200 per person, or tables for $1600.    For more information, please call the Foundation office at 239-274-2377.

 For further information, please contact: Carolyn Rogers, PR Counsel

239-278-3900 or 239-850-5020 cell

Save the Date

Gala to Celebrate the Contributions of

Thomas Edison and Commemorate Henry Ford’s 146^th Birthday

            FORT MYERS – (September 1, 2009) –The Edison Ford Winter Estates Foundation’s 9^th annual signature fundraising event, The Edison Ford Winter Estates Foundation Gala, will be held on Friday evening, November 6, 2009, on the grounds of the Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers.  Katherine Dougherty is the event chairperson.

            The event will feature some of Thomas A. Edison’s contributions to early film production as a backdrop throughout the event.  The evening will start with a reception and private dinner on the grounds of the Estates followed by live entertainment by Alter Ego and a limited silent and live auction featuring items that represent a tribute to Henry Ford’s legacy in honor of his 146^th birthday and to the special friendship shared by Edison and Ford.

            “The theme ‘Moments in Black & White,’ will take us back to a simpler time where we will remember some of Edison’s contributions to our world, and also pay tribute to Mr. Ford’s birthday,” said Chairwoman Katherine Dougherty.  “But most of all, it will set our sights on the future by raising the support which is essential to secure these precious landmarks here in Southwest Florida.”

            The event’s goal is to raise funds to support the preservation and restoration of the Estates.  This year’s initiatives include restoration of the Edison Laboratory.

            Event and table sponsorships are still available.  Tickets are $200 per person, or $1600 per table. For more information, contact the Edison Ford Winter Estates Foundation office at 274-2377.

            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 fundraising arm dedicated to preserving the future of the Estates and the integrity of the property.