Ford and Tom Joyner Foundation Sail the High Seas for Fifth Year to Benefit Historically Black Colleges and Universities

GALVESTON, Texas, March 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

• Ford and radio personality Tom Joyner are partnering for the fifth consecutive year as part of the Tom Joyner Fantastic Voyage that benefits Historically Black Colleges and Universities

• Ford will have the all-new 2011 Ford Explorer Limited aboard the ship and will kick off a national sweepstakes where one Tom Joyner Morning Show listener or cruise attendee will win the keys to the Explorer as part of the “It’s Crazy Explorer Giveaway”

• The partnership allows Ford to continue in its efforts to talk to consumers about the reinvented Explorer in unique ways, while at the same time supporting education. The Explorer brings new technologies and features to the segment, including MyFord Touch and the Sony audio system

This weekend the Ford Explorer is doing something it has never done before – it will sail for seven days aboard the 2011 Tom Joyner Fantastic Voyage as part of Ford's partnership with the Tom Joyner Foundation. This marks the fifth consecutive year Ford has been the automotive exclusive sponsor of the cruise that benefits Historically Black Colleges and Universities. This year, Ford will give away the keys to a 2011 Explorer to one Tom Joyner Morning Show listener or cruise attendee as part of the "It's Crazy Explorer Giveaway."

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110317/NY67160 )

"We're excited about our fifth year of partnering with Tom Joyner on this annual cruise that raises more than $1 million each year to keep students in school at black colleges and universities," said Shawn Lollie, Ford manager, Multicultural Marketing. "By partnering with Tom and his foundation on this cruise, we not only have a chance to support higher education within the African American community, but we also have a great opportunity to showcase the new Ford Explorer."

The cruise, which is in its 11th year, will set sail from Galveston, Texas, on Sunday, March 20 and will make stops in both Grand Cayman and Cozumel, Mexico. Cruisers aboard the ship will have the chance to take in a variety of musical performances and activities, including concerts by R&B artists Fantasia and Charlie Wilson.

"It's Crazy Explorer Giveaway"

The "It's Crazy Explorer Giveaway" will kick off on March 21 and run through April 8. Cruise attendees and all Tom Joyner Morning Show listeners are encouraged to register by visiting www.blackamericaweb.com to submit entries for the chance to win a 2011 Ford Explorer. The giveaway comes just a little over a month after Ford launched a new urban advertising campaign for Explorer that features comedian and actor Kevin Hart. The campaign, called "Crazy Kevin," debuted during an episode of the popular TV show The Game.

In addition to the Explorer giveaway, Ford will also be bringing along for the second year Play Date™, an entertainment-based company that offers an alternative to the traditional party by using interactive nostalgic games like Red Light, Green Light and Musical Chairs to spark up the fun. The Explorer will be the focal point for all of Ford's activities this year.

"Tom Joyner usually says 'What happens on the ship stays on the ship,'" said Lollie. "However, we want everyone to come home talking about the new Explorer and hopefully be encouraged to go visit one of their area Ford dealerships to take a test drive."

"We are glad that Ford will be sailing with us again this year on the Fantastic Voyage," said Tom Joyner. "They not only share my vision for supporting students at HBCU's, but they help our passenger's party with a purpose on the Fantastic Voyage"

To register to win a 2011 Ford Explorer as part of the "It's Crazy Explorer Giveaway," be sure to visit www.blackamericaweb.com.

To learn more about the reinvented Ford Explorer and to check out the "Crazy Kevin" TV spot and digital campaign, log on to www.fordurban.com.

2011 Ford Explorer

The Explorer, the 2011 North American Truck of the Year is completely reinvented and combines exceptional handling and towing capability with sleek lines and class-leading fuel economy. The all-new Ford Explorer also offers a suite of connectivity and safety features, including MyFord Touch™, a terrain management system and the world's first rear inflatable seatbelts.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 164,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.

SOURCE Ford Motor Company