Lakewood Ford didn't know for sure what the outcome would be when it signed up to join in on a promotional contest sponsored by its parent company, Ford. A big component of the contest was collecting funds for the dealership's chosen charity.

Lakewood Ford definitely knew who it wanted help - Fisher House.

Fisher Houses like the one on Joint Base Lewis-McChord provide a free "home away from home" for Servicemembers and their families while they recover from injury or illness at nearby medical centers. The homes are largely reliant on charitable donations.

Here's how the contest worked: Ford partnered with the smash reality singing competition television show, "American Idol." The grand prize was a big one: a coveted guest judging spot on the popular series. Entrants would visit a participating Ford car dealership, where they could create a short audition tape that would be uploaded on YouTube for judging.

Though the local turnout was small, the outcome in the end was great regardless, said Lakewood Ford General Service Manager Boyd Hamilton.

"Ford donated $500 anyway. It was nice of them to step up to help," he said.  "Lakewood Ford supports military related charities. It's what we like to do and is what we are all about."

Hamilton and his team are looking forward to presenting a check to Fisher House soon that will help support its important efforts.

To learn more about the Fisher House, visit http://fortlewisfisherhouse.org or http://www.fisherhouse.org/. For more information about Lakewood Ford visit lakewoodford.net/, and to check out the outcome of the "Go Further With Ford Night" fundraising contest, visit http://gofurtherwithfordnight2.com/