Immediately following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which tore across the Southeastern U.S. this fall, five Ford dealers in North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida stepped up to join Team Rubicon, Ford Philanthropy's longtime disaster relief partner. Some dealers provided their facilities as a home base to clean and sanitize vehicles and equipment, while others sent staff to volunteer, helping clear rural roads and homes that had yet to be touched.
Right after the storm hit the Asheville area, J.W. Whitley, Dealer Operator of Parks Ford Hendersonville, and his 92 employees turned their store into a support hub. The showroom became "supply central" with canned goods, diapers, toiletries, hot showers and a warm place to rest. J.W.'s dedication extended beyond the dealership, as he personally drove his F-350 to and from Charlotte, gathering whatever was needed — medicine, water, generators, chainsaws, and 200 gallons of gasoline.
"I personally was there every single day, and that doesn't even speak to what my employees were experiencing day in and day out," J.W. stated. "Helping their neighbors, relatives, and complete strangers on top of taking care of their own families in their own situations. It was really great to see our store as a whole not only just survive, but thrive and be able to help the community during a time of need."
With debris cleared, more emergency and relief agencies began to mobilize. Speaking with community members, some told J.W. that Team Rubicon was the first organization they’d seen in the aftermath of the hurricane.
When asked about the impact he witnessed when joining Team Rubicon and Ford, he said, "The organization (Team Rubicon) has such a plan and an understanding on how to implement it, it's really exciting to see that. The alignment between Parks Automotive Group and Team Rubicon powered by Ford is just incredible."
Rebuilding Western North Carolina communities following Hurricane Helene will take time. Through programs like Parks Community Heroes, the team at Parks Ford Hendersonville will continue to find ways to support those in need.
"It's our duty and we have this beautiful opportunity to help pave the path for our young ones these days and show them what it means to be a servant to the community," J.W. said.
In the wake of the hurricanes, many Ford dealers across the Southeastern U.S. supported their local communities. Ford Global Dealer Engagement and Ford Philanthropy want to recognize the following dealers for their support of Team Rubicon: Parks Ford Hendersonville, Firmin Ford, Ford of Port Richey, Sarasota Ford and Bill Currie Ford. Additionally, 17 vehicles were loaned to Team Rubicon supplied by: Parks Ford Wesley Chapel, JC Lewis Ford Pooler, Jim Hudson Ford and Woody Folsom Ford.
