Richard Bazzy Recipient of Ford’s Salute to Dealers Award Honoring His Contributions to the Community
Salute To Dealers is a Ford Motor Company initiative that recognizes and honors Dealer Principals who have made an extraordinary commitment of their time and resources to help improve the lives of others by providing support for countless meaningful causes.
On our most recent dealer giving survey that coincides with the Salute to Dealers announcement, a sample group of 70 Ford and Lincoln dealers said they donated 4-million dollars and more than 41,000 volunteer hours to local causes and non-profits in 2022. Most say they are driven to make a difference in their communities because giving is a part of their dealership tradition.
Now in its 23rd year, Salute To Dealers was founded by Edsel B. Ford II and is championed by Henry Ford III. “I am honored to recognize our dealers for all they do to support communities across the globe every day. Their efforts make such a positive impact and provide hope to so many. Their willingness to help improve the lives of those in need is truly amazing,” Ford said.
Dealers from around the globe were nominated for the 23rd annual award. From this group, a panel of judges selected the Honorees based on the Dealer’s individual activities, length of participation and personal motivation. In recognition of the Honorees’ service to their communities, Ford held a reception on January 26, preceding the annual National Automobile Dealers Association Show in Dallas, Texas.
In further recognition, the honorees receive an exclusive painted portrait featuring a montage of their philanthropic efforts and involvement in their communities. Copies of the portraits will be on display in in the lobby of Ford’s World Headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan for year-round viewing. Once again, this year, Ford Motor Company Fund is donating $10,000, in the Honoree’s name, to a charity of their choice.
Ford’s 2023 awards recognize the following Dealers for their generosity and commitment to their communities:
Richard J. Bazzy
Richard Bazzy’s Shults Ford – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Richard Bazzy, a multi-location Ford dealer in Pittsburgh, PA, is actively involved and well known throughout the city for his far-reaching charitable endeavors and selfless generosity. His primary vision is to leverage his good fortune to create a life worth living for as many people as possible.
His focus is not on one or two organizations as beneficiaries, but to make his vision possible, on a broader scale and a more personal basis, affecting as many people as he can. To help accomplish this, he has leveraged his relationship with Audacy, a radio platform in Pittsburgh, using radio-thon formats. This has allowed his message to reach millions of listeners and gives him access to a wide range of charitable organizations. He established the Get Marty + Bazzy fund, with his daughter, to help identify specific needs and solutions. Whether it’s a turkey on every table for Thanksgiving with his annual Turkeython, or a present under the tree for every child with Yes, Pittsburgh, There is a Santa, each venture has been created with one goal in mind, to help move peoples’ lives forward.
Learning and educational initiatives have also been brought to life through Bubba and Bazzy’s Backpack Brigade and The Shults Ford Scholarship Fund. From sponsoring annual events to meeting the daily needs of individuals, Richard’s vision is not just about selling and servicing vehicles, but to make a difference in peoples’ lives and to create lives that are worth living. It is Richard J. Bazzy’s ability to help others, without thinking twice, that makes his employees proud and excited to be a part of his organization.
His leadership and community spirit are both admirable and contagious.
