Bidleman doing promotion to benefit United Way during March

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 13 March 2021 at 10:13 am

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Dean Bellack, left, director of United Way of Orleans County, and George Bidleman, local automobile dealer, stand outside Orleans Ford in Medina.

MEDINA – A local car dealer is stepping up to help United Way of Orleans County by sharing his profits during the month of March.

For every vehicle sold during the month, George Bidleman will donate $25 to United Way and also offer buyers the opportunity to match the donation.

Bidleman is owner of Orleans Ford in Medina and Bidleman Chevrolet in Albion, and also has ownership in Hartway Motors in Medina.

He has long believed in the mission of United Way having served as a board member about 15 years ago. Since last year, he has been president of the board.

“United Way is the best way to give back locally,” Bidleman said. “I don’t want the money I donate to go out of our county. I welcome anything I can do locally.”

Sales average from 285 to 375 vehicles monthly between the three dealerships, Bidleman said.

United Way of Orleans County’s executive director Dean Bellack said this could mean a substantial donation, and it’s wonderful to see local businesses come up with their own promotions to benefit United Way. He said even smaller businesses could do something in their stores on a lesser level.

“It all helps,” Bellack said. “It gives a sense of community, and I hope others will also follow the lead of George and his dealerships. If we all come together, things like this will make us stronger.”

United Way’s allocations are up 20 percent this year, with requests exceeding the amount to give, Bellack said.