Ford Gives Keys of Holiday Joy to Needy Families on Univision's Sabado Gigante Christmas Special

MIAMI, Dec. 25, 2004 -- Today, Ford spread holiday cheer by surprising two families in need and one lucky audience member with two all-new 2005 Ford Freestyles and a 2005 Ford Five Hundred sedan on Univision Network's top-rated "Sabado Gigante's" Christmas Special.

The families, whose unique struggles sparked viewers' interest on previous episodes, obtained special invitations from "Sabado Gigante" producers to attend the taping of this year's Christmas Special. Little did they know, the show's host, Don Francisco, and Ford Division had quite a surprise in store to make their holiday season extra special with three brand new automobiles.

"Ford is proud to partner with 'Sabado Gigante' to bring joy to these special families in need," said Steve Lyons, president of Ford Division. "We have a long tradition of supporting the Hispanic community, and these gifts represent another great example of this commitment."

"It is a pleasure to have a company as well-known and so prestigious as Ford to partner with 'Sabado Gigante' to expand its commitment to the Hispanic community," said Mario Kreutzberger, better known as Don Francisco, host of "Sabado Gigante." "I have worked on television for more than 40 years and it is always gratifying to see someone receive something as life-changing as a new automobile. For us, it was very important that two families in need were able to make one of their dreams a reality during our Christmas Special."

Don Francisco opened the show by reintroducing the Lopez and Martinez- Arroyo families to the audience and recapping some of the hardships they overcame this year. He brought other audience members on-stage to represent each of the families in a series of skill games to win an all-new 2005 Ford Freestyle purpose-built crossover vehicle. At the end of the exciting contest, Hugo and Maria Victoria Lopez were called as the winners. Then a unique twist was added. Just as the Lopez family was presented with their new vehicle and began celebrating, Don Francisco asked the Martinez-Arroyo family to join him on-stage. Suddenly, to their surprise, Don Francisco unveiled a second Freestyle and announced that Ford and "Sabado Gigante" wanted both families to drive home in the all-new crossovers.

In addition to the two Freestyles, Ford and "Sabado Gigante" also announced that one lucky audience member would be randomly selected to join the show's final contestants in the grand-prize to win an all-new 2005 Ford Five Hundred, Ford's latest all-wheel drive flagship sedan. Lynette Nigagloni, the lucky audience contestant picked the right key to open the door to the brand new luxurious sedan.