Ford of Kirkland and Hyundai of Kirkland presented Hopelink and the Kirkland Boys & Girls Club each with checks that totaled $15,000 on Jan. 28. The awards were for money raised as a result of winning a holiday sales challenge.

“Between both of our stores we have over 100 dedicated team members that are very excited to give back to our community through these vital organizations that do so much,” said Jim Walen, president Ford of Kirkland and Hyundai of Kirkland.

During the recent holiday, Ford of Kirkland and Hyundai of Kirkland held a “Sales Challenge” between their two franchises.

The store that sold more vehicles and collected more online public votes would win. The prize was to be a donation to a designated non-profit organization.

Ford of Kirkland selected Hopelink, and Hyundai of Kirkland selected The Boys & Girls Club. As a result of winning a holiday sales competition, both organizations received a donation from the dealerships.

Hopelink President and CEO Marilyn Mason–Plunkett said the generous donation from Ford of Kirkland and Hyundai of Kirkland would help the organization’s End Summer Hunger Program.

“With the end of the school year only a couple of months away, this program will be vital for approximately 14,000 children in the north and east King County. Children that depend on at-school meal programs would otherwise go hungry without the services of Hopelink during the summer months. This donation will also help stock Hopelink’s five food banks and support there homeless prevention programs.”

Matt Watrous, executive director of the Boys & Girls Clubs Washington State Association, said the donation will help the club fund Tech Fest, a collaborative curriculum dedicated to engage young people in technology, digital arts and problem solving. Starting with afterschool programming and culminating with a full day event in October, over 250 youth from across Washington will gain skills preparing them to face the demands of college and the global workplace.

“Hyundai of Kirkland is a terrific partner,” said Watrous. “It’s obvious they are not just a car dealership – they are a family, dedicated to providing quality experiences for their customers as well as giving back in ways that will significantly benefit the community.”

Ford of Kirkland is located at 11800 124th Ave N.E. For information, call 425-821-6611 or visit www.fordofkirkland.com.