Drive One 4 UR School…A HUGE Success!

Months of late night meetings, preparation, dedication, and determination sure did pay off this weekend at the Drive One 4 UR School Event! Beechmont Ford and Glen Este High School, both of Cincinnati, Ohio, had the opportunity to put their heads together to create a very successful event that raised thousands of dollars to aid the Glen Este High School Athletic Booster Club. Ford Motor Company’s Drive One 4 UR School Event is Glen Este High School’s largest fundraiser to date and there is no surprise as to why it turned out a success. When you have parents, coaches, teachers, and community members who care as much as Glen Este community members do you’re bound for success!

Brittany Iredale, Beechmont Ford’s Internet Sales Consultant, was presented the fundraiser earlier this year from Ford Motor Company and the first high school that came to mind was Glen Este High School. Beechmont Ford and Glen Este High School are minutes from each other and a lot of Beechmont Ford’s business comes from community members who send their children to Glen Este High School. So, it seemed logical to team up with Glen Este. That, and Brittany is a 2003 graduate of Glen Este High School!

Her first meeting was with Michele Delaney, Glen Este High School’s Athletic Booster President. “I have never met anyone who is as organized as Michele” Brittany jokes, “She works hard for the schools and you can tell that she truly enjoys what she does. I feel confident in saying that this event would not have been a success without her and her determination.” Michele and her athletic booster team were very creative with the event and realized at an early stage that they could use this event to their benefit. Multiple sports teams set up booths that included spirit wear, bake sales, raffle prizes and games. The local fire department displayed their fire truck and medical unit, Chick-Fil-A brought a prize wheel along with free sandwich coupons, Kona Ica brought an Ice Cream truck and another local vendor brought a large bounce-house. Booths selling baked goods and spirit wear had a very successful day selling lots of cookies, cakes, t-shirts and shorts. Everyone involved were amazed at the turn-out and very thankful of Ford Motor Company and Beechmont Ford’s contribution. Volunteers felt that the event was unlike traditional fundraisers, where getting participants is a challenge, and felt that Drive One 4 UR School was a fun and easy way of getting the community involved.

Initially, ten vehicles were brought for driving and four left for display but by the end of the day, fourteen cars were being driven and two were on display. Beechmont Ford staff had to make two trips back to the store for more vehicles. The vehicles could not make it back fast enough for the eager participants. All vehicles brought were on the road ALL day long; the Mustang, F-150, Flex and Edge being the most popular. After participants completed their drive and waiver they were given a goodie bag, a free hot dog and a raffle ticket. Most stayed for a good hour, hour and a half checking out the great Ford vehicles, playing games and chatting with fellow participants.

Beechmont Ford was excited to get involved with the community because they understand budgets are tight and schools are often underfunded in extra-curricular activities and they wanted to do anything possible to help.  The event resulted in exceeding a goal of 300 test drives.  All materials have been shipped to program headquarters in Detroit and a check for $6,000 will be presented to Glen Este High School in 6-8 weeks.

Beechmont Ford and Glen Este High School would like to thank the Community Journal, Cincinnati.com, and the local radio stations for getting the message to the public prior to the event. Also, thank you to those who showed up and test-drove; the event would not have been possible without you. Ford Motor Company has created a wonderful and effective fundraiser that both dealers and schools are very thankful for!

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