By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org
Last month, the Gerald R. Ford International Airport unveiled a new statute of President Ford with the statute gaining popularity with visitors for its welcoming position of sitting with an arm extended for an embrace. For that reason, many have taken advantage of sitting with the Ford statute for a photo.
Now the pictures might earn some prizes. This week, the Ford Airport launched a social media campaign featuring the hashtag #JerryandMe. The campaign is designed to encourage visitors to the Ford Airport to take a selfie with the statute and post it on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram using the hashtag #JerryandMe. Those who do so now up until Dec. 31 will be included in a random drawing from each social media platform earning the picture-taker a goodie bag from the airport.
“We are pleased President Ford’s statue has been embraced by community members and travelers alike,” said Ford Airport Authority President and CEO Tory Richardson. “The statue is inviting to all ages and is meant to encourage visitors to pause and pay tribute to the tremendous statesman and community advocate we had in President Ford.
“We hope this selfie campaign helps capture these special moments and helps build on our sense of community within and well beyond West Michigan.”
The statue was unveiled last month as part of the Grand Rapids Community Legends Project to honor the individuals who shaped the culture of and helped build West Michigan. The statue is the centerpiece of the Ford Airport’s newly dedicated Presidential Gateway Plaza.
