Edsel B. Ford II (right) congratulates Paul Rusnak, a Ford Motor Company dealer from Pasadena, Calif., on his selection as one of Ford's 2007 Salute To Dealers honorees for his extraordinary community work. Ford honored nine dealer principals the night before the opening of the annual National Automobile Dealers Association convention.

As a longtime businessman and community supporter, Paul Rusnak has touched many lives with his generosity of time, money, influence and kindness through a wide variety of organizations and causes. From fulfilling the dreams of sick children to donating to music performance groups, from supporting a home for abused children to helping Junior Girl Scouts achieve their "car care" badge, the auto dealer seems to have the magic touch.

Rusnak, whose Rusnak Auto Group consists of 12 locations throughout Southern California and showcases 10 vehicle brands, including Jaguar and Volvo, has developed and facilitated dozens of relationships with nonprofit organizations and community groups in the 40 years he has been in business.

"Our mission is not only to raise money and sponsor events, but to create awareness of needs and give back to our community," Rusnak said.

For his outstanding corporate citizenship, Ford Motor Company has named Rusnak among the nine recipients of its seventh annual Salute To Dealers award.

Rusnak focuses his efforts on child-oriented causes, such as Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Los Angeles and Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. "Children need more help than anyone," Rusnak said. "They are the future."

Rusnak was recently honored by Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Los Angeles' "Wish Night Gala" annual charity dinner for his extraordinary commitment to the children the organization serves. Among dozens of examples of his generosity, Rusnak has brightened the life of a 4-year-old race car lover with leukemia who got to interact with classic luxury cars; boosted the confidence of a 15-year-old girl with cystic fibrosis by giving her the opportunity to strut her stuff on a fashion show runway; and added a special moment to the life of a 9-year-old boy battling a severe illness with a tour of Dodger Stadium.

"The events the Rusnaks put on on behalf of Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Los Angeles and the involvement of our 'wish children' in them are a wonderful opportunity for the public to meet the children and hear their stories," said Cheri Lauterbach, director of development. "That makes all the difference."

Pasadena , Calif. , dealer Paul Rusnak admires his portrait with his daughter, Liz Rusnak Arizmendi (right), and Donna Pierson at Ford Motor Company's 2007 Salute To Dealers reception. Ford honored Rusnak and nine other dealers for their extraordinary community work the night before the opening of the annual National Automobile Dealers Association convention.

Rusnak also has provided critically needed philanthropic support to Childrens Hospital Los Angeles to help cover the costs for patients unable to pay for their treatment. "With his support of our hospital and through his association with Make-A-Wish, Paul has helped our patients realize their dreams," said Robert E. Weiner, assistant vice president of development. "Paul and his family serve as a beacon of hope and kindness to our patients."

Rusnak's support also extends to the AIDS Service Center in Pasadena, which reaches out to almost 1,700 individuals and families affected by, and at risk for, HIV/AIDS. The center's services include food distribution, housing services, transportation, case management, legal services, treatment advocacy and education, mental health services and health education and prevention services.

"Paul Rusnak and his organization have been instrumental in expanding our awareness in the community because of their support of not only money, but inclusion in all of their marketing materials as well," said Anthony Guthmiller, the center's director of marketing. "They are creative, engaging and passionate. Whether it's contributing a vehicle to a live auction, giving a dollar for every test drive or throwing a party at one of their showrooms, they continue to excel in their openness to new ideas and support of our agency."

Rusnak's daughter, Liz Rusnak Arizmendi, also devotes much of her time to the Rusnak Auto Group's community commitments, which also include the Marine Corps' annual Toys for Tots campaign, the Pasadena POPS Orchestra, Loving Heart Hospice Foundation, March of Dimes, Haven House, Pasadena Unified Educational Foundation and many others.

"Liz does an outstanding job reaching out to the community," Rusnak said. "Without her, we would not be quite as visible and successful as we are. We are very honored and humbled to receive this award."