AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -

As Subaru reached a new milestone with its annual “Share the Love” charity campaign, Chrysler Group revealed it took less than a week to hit a target necessary to trigger a donation to the National FFA Organization.

Ram pledged to make a donation to the National FFA Organization for every view of its two-minute “Farmer” Super Bowl video on the brand’s website with the intent of generating $1 million.

Officials said it took less than a week to reach the 10 million view milestone equating to the $1 million donation.

As of last Thursday, Ram highlighted the “Farmer” video had been viewed more than 18 million times on its home page and YouTube channel along with millions of more times on other sites.

“The compelling images in the video of America’s heartland mated with Harvey’s ‘So God Made a Farmer’ words resonated with viewers nationwide,” said Olivier Francois, Chrysler’s chief marketing officer.

“We set out to create a call-to-action to support farmers and to recognize their place as the foundation of the American character and are gratified with the dialog the video sparked,” Francois continued.

Fred Diaz, president and chief executive officer of Ram and Chrysler de Mexico, added, “‘Farmer’ is about having America appreciate everything that farmers and farm families do on a daily basis and captures the hard work, determination and character of the farmer in all of us. We are so pleased and excited that this has touched the hearts and souls of so many people in a positive way.”

The video also launched the Ram’s “The Year of the Farmer” campaign aimed at bringing national attention to the significance of the American farmer. The brand enhanced its long-standing partnership with the National FFA Organization (formerly known as Future Farmers of America) with this year-long, multi-tiered initiative.

Together with agricultural equipment manufacturer Case IH, Farms.com and other brand partners, Ram set out to raise awareness and generate funds for FFA hunger relief efforts in local communities across America.

“Ram scored a major win for American agriculture and our producers and ranchers with its ‘Farmer' Super Bowl commercial and has sharply elevated the image of agriculture in the public’s mind,” said National FFA Organization CEO Dwight Armstrong.

“This highly successful partnership with Ram through the National FFA Foundation has generated $1 million of new support for FFA that will be utilized to drive our ‘Feeding the World-Starting at Home’ initiative and other programs that will benefit our nearly 560,000 FFA members in the U.S., Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands,” Armstrong continued.

The “Farmer” video was inspired by the stirring “So God Made a Farmer” tribute delivered by legendary radio broadcaster Paul Harvey and used as a national anthem in grassroots videos created by farm families.

To honor American farmers, Ram set out to create even greater awareness, support and appreciation for farming families, communities and providers. The brand commissioned 10 noted photographers to document American farm life, yielding a beautiful and comprehensive catalog of farming images.

The photographers shot images throughout the United States over the course of 25 days with 35 still photographs used in the video. Many more of the commissioned images will appear in a book Ram plans to publish later this year, creating a beautiful and comprehensive collection of original agriculture, farming and family farm photography.

“The book will provide a broad view of the agricultural community and lifestyle. Ram will contribute a portion of book proceeds to agriculture and hunger related efforts across the country,” brand officials said, noting that additional details and timing for the book are still being finalized.

Subaru ‘Share the Love’ Donations Reach $25 Million

Meanwhile. Subaru of America announced last week it has donated $25 million to nonprofits during the past five years through its signature “Share the Love” event.

During the “Share the Love” event held at the end of each year, Subaru donates $250 for every new Subaru vehicle sold or leased. Customers who purchase or lease a vehicle during that period select one of five charities to receive the donation.

The fifth-annual “Share the Love” event will deliver donations to following charities:

—Alzheimer’s Association
—The ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)
—Make-A-Wish
—Meals On Wheels Association of America
—USO

Subaru highlighted the charitable contributions from “Share the Love” have funded a diverse range of projects including wish-granting, meal delivery to senior citizens, animal health services, Alzheimer’s research, and support for military members and their families.

“We are honored to be able to support both our owners' passions and the work of these amazing organizations,” said Subaru Chief Marketing Officer Dean Evans. “‘Share the Love’ is a very special event and Subaru is proud to have donated $25 million over the last five years.”

In addition to the 2012 “Share the Love” partners, Subaru owners have also delivered support to the following organization in prior years: the Boys & Girls Club, Habitat for Humanity, National Wildlife Federation, Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Ocean conservancy, American Forests and Special Olympics.

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