Town & Country Ford in Pell City is holding its third Ford Drive One 4 UR School April 14. By taking a test drive, local residents can help raise up to $6,000 for the Pell City School System. Pictured, from the left, are Mike Denson, Ronald Beavers and Bryan Wyatt with Town & Country Ford.
Town & Country Ford in Pell City and Pell City High School are partnering for the third Ford Drive One 4 UR School.
“This is a great way for people to help us make money for our school in one day,” Schools Superintendent Bobby Hathcock said.
Ford Drive One 4 UR School is 8 a.m.-4 p.m. April 14 at Iola Roberts Elementary School. By taking a test drive in any new Ford vehicle onsite at the school, residents can help raise up to $6,000 through Drive One 4 UR School.
For every test drive taken, Ford Motor Company and Town & Country Ford will donate $20 to Pell City High School.
“We are also challenging the Hueytown Golden Gophers to see who can achieve more test rides April 14,” said Doug Bailey, with Town & Country Ford in Pell City. “The winner will also win a $1,000 scholarship from Town & Country Ford.”
Bailey said every year, as more and more arts, music and sports programs are cut because of budgetary constraints, this fundraising event is a unique way to help fill some of those financial gaps helping kids achieve their dreams.
“We really appreciate Town & Country Ford for doing this,” Hathcock said. “This helps fund extracurricular activities, which are so expensive. And there is no obligation for anyone.”
Bailey said since the program started in 2007, Ford dealerships and local communities across the United States have helped raise more than $10 million for essential high school programs. This April, the goal is to raise $1 million for education across the U.S.
“It only takes about 10-15 minutes, including the paperwork,” he said. “We will have a vehicle from each popular line available for people to test drive including a Focus, Fusion, Escape, Explorer, Mustang, F150 and F250, and perhaps others as well.”
Bailey said there is no pressure to purchase a vehicle at the event.
“They are for sale, but not at the event,” he said. “This gives the community the opportunity to see what Ford has to offer. If they see something they like, they are free to come by the dealership.”
Hathcock said the contest with Hueytown is an extra incentive for local residents to come out and support their school.
“College is expensive, and if we win, one of our high school seniors will get a $1,000 scholarship,” he said. “This is all about helping our kids.”
Hathcock said he hopes everyone will come out and support the school by taking a test drive.
“In years past, we’ve left money on the table because we didn’t drive enough,” he said. “I hope that doesn’t happen this year. The community is always supportive, so come out and drive.”
Contact Elsie Hodnett at ehodnett@dailyhome.com.
