Ford hosting Drive 4 UR School fundraiser at PHS

Published 4:27 pm Tuesday, April 10, 2018

PELHAM – Test driving a new Ford vehicle at Pelham High School on Saturday, April 21, could lead to big bucks for Pelham High School.

Ernest McCarty Ford and Ford Motor Company have teamed up with Pelham High School to host the Drive 4UR School event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 21. During the event, $20 will be donated to PHS for every test drive taken.

Residents must be at least 21 years old and have a valid driver’s license to participate. There will be a limit of one paid test drive per household.

Convertibles, sedans and SUVs will be among the vehicles available for a test drive. Participants will be allowed to drive the vehicle down Bearden Road to the Alabama Power building and back to the school.

The school will have an opportunity to receive up to $8,000. PHS Principal Amanda Wilbanks said 100 percent of the proceeds will go to the school. As an added incentive, Wilbanks said 25 percent of the proceeds will be donated to the club or team that has the most parents participate in the event.

“It’s very easy and simple and will only take a few minutes out of your day,” Wilbanks said. “The money will go in Pelham High School’s general fund, which is used to assist teachers with their needs and to help with the general maintenance of the school.”

The event will be fully staffed by PHS faculty and staff.

Carl Valentine, sales manager at Ernest McCarty Ford, said the school can earn an extra $10 for a test drive if participants choose to test drive a 2018 Ford Expedition or the new Ford EcoSport.

“We always like to support our local schools and it helps us to get some exposure also,” Valentine said. “This doesn’t cost the customer or schools anything so it’s a win-win for everyone.”

This is Ernest McCarty Ford’s first fundraiser with PHS. The dealership has participated in the event twice with Thompson High School.