South Florida Ford dealership general managers Victor Benitez and
Daniel Marks join The Education Fund board of directors
MIAMI –The Education Fund (EducationFund.org), a nonprofit that develops innovative programs for public schools in Miami-Dade County, announces the appointment of Victor Benitez, general manager of Gus Machado Ford of Hialeah, and Daniel Marks, general manager of Metro Ford, to its board of directors.
“We’re delighted by Ford’s commitment to public education in our community,” said Linda Lecht, president of The Education Fund.“Victor and Danny’s dedication to our local schools will help guide our work in the classroom and in providing professional development opportunities for public school teachers.”
Benitez and Marks join Ernest P. Modock Jr., sales operation zone manager for Ford Motor Company in South Florida, on The Education Fund board, strengthening Ford’s ties to the nonprofit.
For the past 10 years, Ford Motor Company Fund, the philanthropic arm of Ford, has provided tremendous support for students and teachers in Miami-Dade County to pursue STEM learning. As a signature contributor, the Ford Fund helps make possible The Education Fund’s Ideas with IMPACT, a “best practices” program that ensures teachers use innovative and proven STEM projects to engage students in learning.
“Ford Motor Company brings together committed citizens from all parts of Miami-Dade County to vet these ideas and select those that are most promising. I invite any entrepreneur to see the impact of financial support for our educated and highly accomplished teachers,” shared Modock.
Ford’s philanthropy also supports grants for teachers who want to adapt projects or try new ideas in the classroom and need the additional funds for supplies.
“The company’s investment in public education in Miami-Dade County encourages nearly 20,000 educators to create a stronger and more innovative future for the more than half a million public students,” Lecht said.
As a new member of The Education Fund board, Benitez brings more than 40 years of experience in business and automotive sales. Under his guidance, Gus Machado Ford of Hialeah has been recognized as one of the top 100 Ford dealers in the nation for seven consecutive years. The dealership is involved with several charitable organizations and is a great supporter of education, hosting its popular back-to-school supply drive and giveaway that benefits thousands of public school students. In 2014, The Education Fund honored Benitez with a Public School Alumni Achievement Award for his accomplishments.
Marks has been the general manager of Metro Ford in Miami for nearly six years, and he has worked for dealerships since graduating high school. Under Marks’ leadership, the dealership raise funds for a back-to-school backpack drive and for Drive 4 UR School, Drive 4 UR Community, which benefits specific schools and community organizations. Marks teamed up with The Education Fund in 2018 as a Teach-A-Thon Teacher Champion. He spoke to more than 150 students at Miami Jackson Senior High about developing the attitude of success despite all odds.
To learn more about The Education Fund’s board of directors, visit educationfund.org.
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About The Education Fund
The Education Fund’s current initiatives (including Food Forests for Schools, Ideas with IMPACT, Teach-A-Thon, Ocean Bank Center for Educational Materials and For The Love of ArtAnnual Charity Auction) bring innovative methods to our schools, inform the community about public education, and encourage private sector investment in public education. Visit www.educationfund.org.
