2015 Ford Neighborhood Awards: $30,000 To Ford Community Leader

Family Feud And Ford
Steve Harvey exciting the crowd at the Annual Ford Neighborhood Awards. Credit: Marcus Ingram/PictureGroup

2015 Ford Neighborhood Awards brings stars, including new cars.

The Thirteenth Annual Ford Neighborhood Awards were held on August 8, 2105, in Atlanta. The event, hosted by radio and TV personality, Steve Harvey, is dedicated to honoring key community leaders and businesses nationwide.

The winner of the 2015 Ford Community Leader of Year Award was James L. Jones Sr., founder and chairman of Simply United Together. Jones was presented a $30,000 check to continue the great work he’s doing via his organization. Shawn Thompson, Ford Multicultural Marketing Manager, presented the check alongside actor Anthony Anderson and radio personality Shirley Strawberry.

This year’s awards ceremony brought out some of today’s brightest stars including performances from Usher, Tyrese and Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds.

Ford ride and drive

2016 Ford Explorer
Checking out the new wheels for Ford: the 2016 Explorer. Credit: Lorraine Robertson for AGirlsGuidetoCars

The entertainers weren’t the only stars out this weekend, Ford had its latest vehicles lined up for the public to test drive during the expo held at the Georgia World Congress Center.

Event host Steve Harvey even took a turn behind the wheel.

I had the opportunity to take a 2016 Explorer Platinum model for a quick spin and try the Enhanced Active Park Assist feature for the first time. Fun! This feature uses ultrasonic sensors to help you park –parallel or perpendicular – by literally taking the wheel while you simply shift, accelerate or brake.

Family Feud And Ford
Family Feud and Ford: a fun combination. Credit: Marcus Ingram/PictureGroup

As a former Explorer owner I’m familiar with this SUV and had great experiences with both of the models I owned. The 2016 received some physical upgrades to both its exterior and interior including new liftgate, new tail lamps, redesigned hood, headlamps, grille, fender and fog lamps; five all-new wheel designs and five new colors.

Family Feud And Ford Explorer
The new Ford Explorer. Credit: Marcus Ingram/PictureGroup

Notable mentions for me are the third-row seating, dual-panel moon roof, and the hands-free foot activated liftgate.

The Ford Explorer Platinum model starts at $52,600  with a 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine.

Expo fun and Family Feud

Family Feud And Ford
A live DJ, dancing, and fun at the Annual Ford Neighborhood Awards. Credit: Marcus Ingram/PictureGroup

The Ford Booth at the expo was complete with a DJ, dancing, photo booth, giveaways and of course, cars.

Lorraine Robertson
Lorraine Robertson
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