Schools are constantly seeking opportunities to finance their extra curricular activities and sports programs. Cleveland High School had a unique opportunity in November to partner with Don Ledford Automotive Center and General Motors – earning a $10,000 to boost their sports programs on campus.
A check for $10,000 was placed into the hands of Athletic Director Eric Phillips on Thursday, the result of some hard work by a host of loyal and dedicated CHS supporters, said officials.
Cleveland High School was chosen to be part of a Buick Achievers Scholarship Program sponsored locally by General Motors, Debbie Melton and Don Ledford Automotive Center in Cleveland.
On hand for the check presentation Thursday were, members of Cleveland City School Board, Director of Schools Dr. Martin Ringstaff, Mr. Phillips, Cleveland Mayor Tom Rowland, along with other school and city officials.
A 12 hour Buick Drive for Your Students Campaign was staged at Cleveland High School on Nov. 4, and hundreds lined up to test drive the 12 GM vehicles provided for test drives. Inside each vehicle was a GM expert, to allow drivers full advantage of a professional who is trained in the overall vehicle and its capabilities.
Don Ledford Automotive Center was one of 100 dealerships chosen to implement the Buick Test Drive event by year end. As of Dec. 1, only seven dealerships earned the $10,000 out of the 44 who completed their test drive event.
“This is big for our area,” says Debbie Melton, general manager/partner. “We were the only dealership in Tennessee to achieve the over 500 test drive goal, earning $10,000 for Cleveland High School.”
During the 12 hour event, 506 test drives were completed on the CHS campus, testing 12 vehicles every 15 minutes to accomplish the goal.
Mr. Phillips, “got behind the program,” said Ms. Melton. “He saw the potential and he rallied teachers, parents, and supporters who came to CHS and tested the new Buicks.”
Mr. Melton said, “This was not as much about selling vehicles as it was about showcasing the new Buicks, allowing people to get behind the wheel, and at the same time support the school.”
On hand for the event was Jennifer Gregg, district manager from GM, who was at CHS and actively participated in the event. “Basically, GM donated $10 for every valid test drive taken. When the event exceeded the 100 test drives, Buick doubled the donation to $20 per valid test drive. When it hit the 500, the total maximized at $10,000.”
Ms. Gregg praised the sponsor and the participants for the turnout. Ms. Melton noted, “From the time the test drive event opened, there were lines of people waiting to take the drive. Drivers were required to be 21 years of age, have a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance. There was no obligation."
As a special gift to participants who took time to test drive, Don Ledford Automotive Center did award a certificate for complimentary oil change at the dealership.
Ms. Melton said, “We know how hard it is for our schools to raise funds to support their extra curricular and sports programs. When GM notified us of this opportunity and we talked with Eric Phillips, we knew it would be a great opportunity. I’m impressed with the dedication and loyalty of their educators, parents and supporters. Their hard work paid off and we were glad to be a part.”