New York State Donor Registry trails national average, but Morris Ford is working to change that
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Burnt Hills, New York (September 10, 2026) – Today, Donate Life New York State (NYS) and the New York State Automobile Dealers Association (NYSADA) presented Morris Ford Inc. with the Dealer of the Year award. Through donor registration drives, fundraising efforts, and community engagement, Morris Ford has championed efforts to raise awareness about the importance of organ, tissue, and eye donor enrollment in New York State.
Over 8,000 New Yorkers are on the waitlist for a lifesaving organ transplant, and 770 have been waiting for more than five years. The Dealer of the Year award encourages friendly competition among New York dealerships to work to promote registry enrollment and bring communities together.
Morris Ford President Charles “Charlie” Morris led his dealership’s charge, embracing Donate Life’s mission while sharing the stories of his family who have been personally impacted by organ donation.
“It really was more than a competition for us,” said Charlie Morris. “Some of my staff, as well as myself, have family members who are donors or recipients, so we’ve seen that bravery firsthand. If raising awareness through our dealership can inspire others to show that same courage, then we’ve taken a step in the right direction.”
Morris Ford educated community members about the ease of registering and highlighted the stories of patients who rely on the generosity of donors. Their efforts to engage and recruit community members did not go unnoticed during the careful selection process, which included donor families and transplant recipients who have seen firsthand the life–changing impact of organ donation advocacy.
The dealership displayed Donate Life NYS signage throughout its showroom, encouraged local banks to do the same, spread the word at a local job fair, and shared the initiative on social media. Morris Ford continued to go above and beyond by sponsoring a Donate Life NYS reception and encouraging customers to contribute to the organization after purchasing a car.
“This is our second year celebrating the Dealer of the Year award, and we’re proud to recognize Morris Ford this year for their exceptional commitment to our mission,” said Aisha Tator, Executive Director of Donate Life NYS. “Although we have made incredible strides in raising our state’s donor enrollment, New York still trails the national average. It’s the commitment of New York’s incredible leaders, like Charlie Morris, that will help us close that gap and ensure that every New Yorker who needs a transplant can access one.”
New York State DMV Acting Commissioner Christian Jackstadt said, “Growing the number of available organ donors is an important priority to the DMV. Under Governor Kathy Hochul’s leadership, we reached the milestone of more than 50 percent of eligible New Yorkers adding their names to the Registry to become organ donors and provide the gift of life. Our successful partnership with Donate Life New York State and the New York State Auto Dealers Association also went a long way toward that achievement. We congratulate Charlie Morris on earning the Dealer of the Year Award, and we look forward to continuing to work together with everyone involved. No one should lose their life because an organ did not become available in time; it is our mission to move us every day closer to that goal.”
“I want to salute and thank Charlie Morris and Morris Ford in Burnt Hills for their leadership and outstanding efforts to encourage people in the 44th Senate District and beyond to become organ donors as part of the Donate Life NYS program. I’m proud to support the great community work of the NYS Automobile Dealers Association and Morris Ford in not only being great corporate citizens but also to truly help to save lives,” said Senator Jim Tedisco (R,C-Ballston Lake).
“I’ve had the privilege of knowing Charlie for many years, and his commitment to helping others and making a positive impact in our community has always been evident. It comes as no surprise to me that he has received this well-deserved recognition. Whether through his business or in his personal life, Charlie consistently puts the needs of others before his own and leads by example,” said Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh. “The Donate Life initiative is incredibly meaningful, and the impact of registering as an organ donor can be life-changing for individuals and families across New York State. I couldn’t be prouder to see Charlie recognized for his leadership and dedication to this important cause. His efforts are a powerful reminder of what can happen when a business and a community come together to give hope and make a difference.”
“Congratulations to Charlie Morris and the entire Morris Ford team on being named the 2026 Donate Life Dealer of the Year,” said Saratoga County Clerk Craig A. Hayner. “This well-deserved recognition reflects their commitment to our community and the difference they make during Donate Life Month and throughout the year. We truly value our longstanding relationship with Morris Ford and appreciate their continued support as one of the Saratoga County DMV’s most loyal dealership partners. We’re proud to congratulate Charlie and his team on this honor and thank them for all they do for our community.”
Robert Vancavage, President of New York State Automobile Dealers Association (NYSADA), said: “NYSADA commends Morris Ford for its extraordinary leadership and tremendous community engagement efforts to advance Donate Life NYS’ mission to encourage New Yorkers to help save lives by enrolling as organ and tissue donors. Morris Ford President Charlie Morris and his dedicated staff make us all proud at NYSADA for their exceptional commitment to bringing hope to the approximately 8,000 New Yorkers waiting for a life-changing transplant.”
This year, elected officials have played an immense role in supporting the Doorways to Donation Act. The legislation would allow New Yorkers to register as organ and tissue donors while filing their taxes, following the success of similar measures in California, Michigan, and Wisconsin. We deeply appreciate those who have joined the fight to expand donor registration.
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About Donate Life New York State
Donate Life New York State (NYS) is the statewide non-profit organization dedicated to increasing organ, eye, and tissue donation in New York State. Our goal is to ensure a life changing transplant for every New Yorker in need. Since 2002, we’ve served as the voice for New York’s organ, eye and tissue donation community, bringing together recovery organizations, health professionals, community organizations, and people whose lives have been touched by our mission. Donate Life NYS operates the New York State Donate Life Registry under contract with the State of New York, and advances organ, eye, and tissue donation through public and professional education, Registry enrollment campaigns, legislative advocacy, social and behavioral research, strategic partnerships, and collaborative forums with the greater donation and transplantation community.
About New York State Automobile Dealers Association:
For over 100 years the New York State Automobile Dealers Association (NYSADA) has been the collective voice of New York State’s Franchised Car and Truck Dealers. From strengthening our state’s franchise laws, to the successful blocking of many bills harmful to dealers, NYSADA has a long record of advocating for the interests of its members with the State’s leaders. Dealers who join our Association have the opportunity to utilize numerous membership programs tailored to dealers and their dealerships including a Duplicate Title and Registration Service, a Worker’s Compensation Program, a Group Insurance Trust, SNYADS Services, e-learning webinars and seminars, a surety bond program and more. It is NYSADA’s mission to be the best partner to our members, metro associations and community and to continue to build upon the Association’s reputation as one of New York’s leading business advocacy organizations.