Ford Company Fund Executive Honored for Lifetime Commitment to Service

· Floyd Washington, Jr. receives Zenobia Payne-Drake Award

· Executive created a lasting legacy of giving at local and national levels

Dearborn, MI January 30, 2005; Black Family Development Inc. (BFDI) recently presented its prestigious Zenobia Payne-Drake Humanitarian Award to Floyd Washington, Jr., director of civic affairs and community development, Ford Motor Company Fund. He was honored for his nearly 40 years of caring, committed service during the organization’s ninth annual President’s Dinner.

Inspired by the outcome of Brown v. the Board of Education, Washington has dedicated his life to helping others. The first African American to join Ford Motor Company’s finance staff, he has played a major role in directing millions of dollars to various initiatives across the country, including the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, the National Council of Negro Women, and historically black colleges and universities. “I always have used my expertise to help where I could,” said Washington. “The idea is to give back. I am a firm believer that 'to whom much is given, much is required.’"

“Floyd deserves this honor and distinction,” said Terrence Hicks, contributions program analyst, Ford Motor Company Fund. “His commitment to building strong, successful communities through service has had a positive impact on Ford Motor Company, his career, and most important, millions of people here in metro Detroit and across the country. Floyd has built a lasting legacy of giving and set a great example for others to follow.” Hicks accepted the award for Washington, who was unable to attend the ceremony.

Black Family Development Inc. is a private non-profit counseling agency that works to strengthen and preserve families. The late Zenobia Payne-Drake was a BFDI board member and public relations chair that exemplified the spirit of giving through her life of service.

Ford Motor Company Fund supports efforts all across the country to create economic opportunities for all citizens in the United States. The automaker is especially committed to creating educational opportunities that stimulate creativity and promote cultural diversity. In 2003, Ford Motor Company dedicated more than $80 million to educational initiatives, cultural sponsorships, performing arts events, and university scholarships and programs geared towards schoolchildren. For more information on programs made possible by Ford Motor Company visit www.ford.com.