DEARBORN -- Ameya Mulay was among the crowd that cheered Monday night as the front of Ford Motor Company's World Headquarters turned pink for the first of two nights in support of breast cancer patients and survivors around the world.   

Mulay, a Ford manufacturing engineer, attended the special celebration for his sister, a breast cancer survivor.

"She's from Texas, but I told her I would check (the event) out for her to show my support," said Mulay, who also bought a Warriors in Pink sweatshirt for his sister. 

Attendees could also purchase other Warriors in Pink apparel on site, including hats, t-shirts, bandanas and ties, to support breast cancer awareness and research.  Ford is a 15-year supporter of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®.  Through its Warriors in Pink program the company has dedicated more than $100 million to the breast cancer cause.

Maureen Meldrum, director of Breast Cancer Special Programs for the Karmanos Cancer Center in Detroit, praised Ford for its efforts.

"I can't say enough about Ford's impact.  Ford's Warriors in Pink campaign makes every one of us survivors feel stronger," said Meldrum, addressing the crowd. 

Kim McInerney, manager, Ford Experiential Marketing, thanked employees for their help in fighting breast cancer and stressed that the company's commitment extends beyond October, which is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the U.S. 

As the skies grew dark, Ford President of the Americas Mark Fields took the microphone.

"We do create great cars and trucks, but very importantly, as a company, we care," said Fields.  "It's about giving back to the community.   

"(Breast cancer has) touched so many families across America, so many families in Ford including my own.  In our own way, it is important for us to give back to the community and eradicate this illness."

Fields then started the countdown after which the entire south side of World Headquarters became awash in pink with the Warriors in Pink logo and the text 'fordcares.com' displayed in the center of the building.   

Harry and Rochelle Dodgson were pleased with the event and Ford's continuing support of breast cancer research. 

"It's wonderful," said Harry, a Ford IT system analyst, who lost his sister to breast cancer in 2006.  "We're here because we wanted to show support."

To learn more about Ford's Warriors in Pink program, visit fordcares.com.  Click on "store" to purchase Warriors in Pink apparel – 100 percent of net proceeds goes to Susan G. Komen for the Cure®.

Furthermore, when you test drive a Ford vehicle from now through Dec. 31, 2009, Ford will donate $20 to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure® affiliate in the city of your choice.