Scarff Ford celebrates its 90th year of automotive excellence and community involvement in Auburn this month.

The public is invited to help Scarff Ford celebrate its milestone anniversary from Friday-Sunday, June 22-24, with the following activities at its dealership, 501 Auburn Way N.:

• Complimentary barbecue lunch, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.

• Display of vintage vehicles from a local Model A Ford Club, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday.

• Special promotions on new and used vehicles, including a $90 down, 90 days to first payment offer.

Scarff Ford is among an elite group of Ford and Lincoln dealerships to be recognized recently with the 2011 President’s Award by Ford Motor Company. The prestigious award honors dealerships that excelled in automotive retailing in 2011 by providing exceptional customer service and satisfaction.

Ford honored 313 Ford and Lincoln dealers throughout the country this year for delivering superior customer satisfaction in sales and service.

Only three other Ford dealers in Washington state received the award. It’s Scarff Ford of Auburn’s fourth time.

Alan Mulally, president and CEO, Ford Motor Company, sent the following message to the dealership:

“Scarff Ford rocks! Congratulations on serving our customers for 90 years. Ford treasures your leadership and partnership!”

A family affair

According to Scarff Ford owner Way Scarff, his grandfather, also named Way Scarff, became a Ford dealer in West Seattle in 1921. The following year, he became a Ford dealer in downtown Auburn. The Scarff family moved its business to the current location in 1948. There have been many remodels and expansions since.

“My grandfather and father (Bob Scarff) built at the current location, so far out of town the locals thought they were sure to go out of business,” Scarff said.

But Scarff Ford has survived it all – the Great Depression, World War II and the recent challenging economy – to become Auburn’s oldest business.

Cal Scarff, Bob’s youngest brother, came into the business in the late 1950s. Bob and Cal have been retired for some time. It’s now operated by the third generation, with the fourth (Chase and Charlie) following.

“Through the generations, there’s always been the same philosophy: Proven success comes from trustworthy and lasting relationships with our employees and customers,” Scarff said. “Integrity and honesty in what we do and say are hallmarks of this business, which we think never goes out of style.”

Scarff Ford also believes in giving back to its community and has offered the following support:

• Sponsor of the Auburn Rotary Scholarship Show, which has presented more than $850,000 in college scholarships to Auburn students.

• Through its referral program, donated more than 175,000 pounds of fresh produce to local food banks through Rotary First Harvest.

• Active donor to the YMCA; Auburn and Federal Way Chamber of Commerce; Boys and Girls Club of Federal Way and Auburn; and the White River Valley Museum.

“Scarff Ford exemplifies the spirit of excellence and longevity,” said Sean Weingarten, Ford Motor Company regional manager. “They inspire all of us within the Ford family to provide outstanding service to our communities. It is really impressive in today’s environment to have a family-owned business for 90 years.”