At Grappone Ford in New Hampshire, a simple idea sparked an innovative way to help the community. For Amanda Grappone Osmer, the fourth-generation owner, community involvement is central to her family's century-old business, and she's always looking for new ways to make a difference.

After a traditional food drive in their showroom, Amanda Osmer realized her organization could do more by using their mobile service vehicles. This led to a unique event where customers received a free mobile oil change in exchange for nonperishable donations, directly benefiting local families and highlighting the growing importance of skilled automotive trades.

The event was a big success, thanks to strong partnerships with local companies like PROCON and Eversource, which provided locations for the mobile service units. During this particular event, Grappone Ford's mobile service team collected food and other essential items needed by the Greater Manchester Boys and Girls Club.

"By working so closely with a nonprofit, we are able to tailor the donations to get exactly what is needed," said Grappone Osmer. "For the Boys and Girls Club, that was food but also other essentials for their programming."

Of the unique items requested: frozen chicken. In fact, a delivery of chicken from the New Hampshire Governor's office remained cold during the food drive thanks to the frunk of an F-150 Lightning.

“By working so closely with a nonprofit, we're able to tailor the donations to get exactly what's needed.”

Amanda Grappone Osmer, fourth-generation owner of Grappone Ford

Mobile Service Technician David Bosquet, who has been with Grappone Ford for three years, found the day especially meaningful.

"I benefited from the Boys and Girls Club as a kid, and I'm glad to be able to give back," said Bosquet.

Beyond the food collection for the Boys and Girls Club, the event also raised awareness about the crucial role of skilled trades. This mission resonated with New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte, who attended and spoke with technicians, recognizing the importance of expanding career and technical education.

Amanda Grappone Osmer is a long-time champion of the trades, often emphasizing the need for greater access and a shift in public perception.

"While modern vehicles rely heavily on computers, technicians still get their hands dirty," she said. "At the end of the day, you can tell you actually did something. As much as there is computer work, there's still a lot of manual labor as well."

What's Next for Grappone Ford

The success of the mobile service food drive means more events throughout the fall, supporting nonprofit and community organizations and local first responders. The next mobile service event takes place on September 26 as a fundraiser to support the Winnisquam Watershed Network.

Beyond these innovative mobile efforts, Grappone Ford also continues its tried-and-true fundraising endeavors. The dealership is participating in the quest for the World's Largest Dealer Food Drive, as part of the Ford Building Together initiative. To fight hunger, Ford dealers across the world are collecting food and nonperishable items in their showrooms until September 25. All donations made to Grappone Ford during this drive will go to help stock the shelves of the New Hampshire Food Bank.

Grappone Ford's mobile service vehicles can travel within a 60-mile radius of their Bow, New Hampshire location, offering flexibility for both customers and future donation drives. This creative model shows how Ford dealerships are deeply invested in their communities, actively working to build a better future for their neighbors.

At the Grappone Automotive Group, helping is part of the mission statement. Their deep commitment aligns directly with Ford Building Together's focus on both Building and Rebuilding communities.

The group donates 5% of its yearly profits to charitable organizations and encourages its team members to volunteer by offering a paid day off and a donation to their chosen charity. Regular blood drives and annual pancake breakfasts for local crisis response centers further contribute to the well-being and resilience of their neighbors, while ice cream socials raising money for Christmas gifts for families in need directly address hunger relief and essential support.

This deep commitment to service is simply "the dealership's DNA," as Amanda Grappone Osmer put it.

Caroline Pernot is the director of Global Dealer Community Engagement at Ford.