Let the test drives begin…again!

The fall session of Ford and Lincoln test drive fundraising events is under way, with the first held on Thursday, Sept. 1 for Pequot Lakes High School, hosted by Mills Ford Lincoln of Brainerd/Baxter. Several hundred people turned out to test drive Lincoln vehicles, and once Lincoln verifies the registrations, the amount to be donated will be determined.   

Four other events will follow:

Saturday, Sept. 24 and Saturday, Oct. 15:

Mills Ford Lincoln for Lowell Elementary School of Brainerd and Brainerd High School

$8,000 is on the table for both schools if they get 300 single test drives, plus another 100 to 200 “bonus” drives. 

Test-drive a Lincoln to benefit Lowell Elementary, and take a “bonus” drive in the Lincoln MKZ. Lincoln offers an additional $2,000 for 100 bonus drives.  

If you'll be supporting Brainerd High, you'll have the pleasure of test-driving a great line-up of Ford cars and trucks. New this fall, Ford is stepping up with a “bonus” test drive in the 2017 Ford Escape.  BHS can earn an additional $2,000 with 200 Escape bonus drives.     

Saturday, Oct. 1 and Saturday, Oct. 8 at Mills Ford Chrysler in Willmar:

New London-Spicer and Willmar High Schools

Lincoln vehicles are driven for the New London-Spicer event, and Ford cars and trucks will be driven to support Willmar High. Bonus drives are a part of both events.   

Each event will be held from 9 AM - 4 PM. Be sure to regsiter on-site at all events to ensure that your school receives funds for the first drive and bonus drive. Each test driver is accompanied by a Mills escort, who will guide you on the short drive near the dealership. 

“The events have been such a wonderful way to support our students and school,” said Neal Haugen, chairman of the music department at Willmar High School.

These events help fund activities such as:

  • Football
  • Women's basketball
  • Men's soccer
  • Floor hockey
  • Wrestling
  • Spanish Club
  • Music department
  • Instruments
  • Performance attire
  • Academic retreats
  • Trips to competitions
  • Reading programs
  • Technology
  • Scholarships 

2016 marks the 9th year of the Mills test drive fundraising events, which started in 2008 with Ford, and three years later with Lincoln. Since its start, nearly $200,000 has been raised by the Mills test-drive events for schools in the Brainerd and Willmar areas.

“We are very fortunate to be a part of these events,” Haugen said. “The Mills staff is outstanding and many parents speak highly about how well the events are run.”

The spring session in April and May saw a total of $36,620 raised for Brainerd and Willmar area schools.  Leading the pack was:

  • Pillager Public Schools: $7,280
  • Harrison Elementary School: $7,000
  • Forestview Middle School: $6,100
  • Willmar Community Christian School: $5,700
  • Willmar High School: $5,640
  • Brainerd High School: $4,900.

Harrison and Forestview participated for the first time this year. Pillager and WCCS each had one previous event.  There were 1,831 total test drives at the six one-day events.

“We feel so fortunate to have worked with Mills and Lincoln,” said Todd Sauer, principal at Lowell Elementary. “Every aspect of the events is focused on helping students at Lowell, which makes it such a positive experience.”   

If you have any questions regarding the upcoming events or would like to find out how you can help, don't hesitate to contact us or stop by to see us at 4100 U.S. 71, Willmar, MN 56201. We look forward to seeing you at one of our upcoming events!