The Mills Ford Chrysler fall test drive event has concluded, and it was yet another fantastic experience! 

An unofficial estimated $33,520 was raised over five single-day Lincoln and Ford test drive events at Mills Ford Lincoln, Brainerd/Baxter and Mills Ford Chrysler, Willmar. An announcement with the official numbers is coming soon.

In the spring, Mills Automotive held six test drives for local schools, making 2016 the year with the most test-drive fundraising events since we started them in 2008. The six events in April and May raised a collective $36,620; combine that figure with the unofficial number for our fall events, and an estimated $70,140 will have been raised for schools in Brainerd, Pillager, Pequot Lakes, New London-Spicer, and Willmar schools, making this year one of our most successful ever. 

Here’s a break-down of the five recent fall events:  

Brainerd High School: On October 15, an estimated $6,800 was raised for 240 single Ford drives and 200 bonus drives in the 2017 Ford Escape. Junior class cabinet, Spanish club, band, wrestling, and adaptive floor hockey and gymnastics will use these funds. 

Willmar High School: The music department brought down the house at this event on October 8, maxing out their available funds two hours before the event was scheduled to end. Overall, an estimated $8,000 was raised through 300 single Ford drives and 200 Escape bonus drives. More than 300 people showed up, mostly during the first three hours.

New London-Spicer High School – Estimated $4,900 for unofficial 145 single Lincoln drives and 100 Lincoln MKZ bonus drives on Saturday, October 1 at Mills Ford Chrysler, Willmar. Funds will again be used by the school’s Tool Cats Robotics Team. 

Lowell Elementary School: An estimated $7,000 was raised through 252 single Lincoln drives and 100 MKZ bonus drives on September 24. 

Pequot Lakes High School: On September 1, parents and friends took 341 official test drives, raising $6,820. 

We're proud to serve a community that is so dedicated to the success of our children, and we're looking forward to hosting more events in the future. If you would like to learn more about how you can get involved, 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!