Mills Test Drive Events are often called one of the easiest fundraisers a school ever does. Even better, they just take one day!

$301,410 has been raised for schools in the Brainerd and Willmar areas by the Ford and Lincoln test drive events in the seven years that the Mills Automotive Group has been doing them. The two largest schools, Brainerd High School and Willmar High School, have earned a total of $68,360 and $68,880 respectively over the seven years. 

That represents more than 10,000 test drives of Ford and Lincoln vehicles provided by Mills Automotive.

“Take the wheel, help your school” is the tagline that says it all about the well-known one-day events. Mills Ford Lincoln in Brainerd/Baxter and Mills Ford Chrysler in Willmar have hosted them since 2011. They're fun! They're easy to do! They give everyone a chance to see friends and neighbors, plus teachers and other school staff. And most importantly, it helps everyone help their local schools.

These events are all about community support. Ford and Lincoln make the programs available, then it’s up to dealerships throughout the country to help schools make it all happen. Hundreds of test drive events are held each spring and fall throughout the country. 

When it comes to community support for your school, who wouldn’t like sliding into the driver’s seat of a new vehicle, one you might not otherwise drive. Test drive funds support many programs for students that schools might not otherwise be able to afford.

The Mills Automotive Group Marketing Team provides schools with complete event planning, which includes how to have a successful event. It’s up each school to “drive the event,” or get people to Mills dealerships on event day. Schools have used creative ways to do just that. People are busy. and there’s a lot of competition for their time and attention.  

At least 300 can people can turn out at an event.        

Nearly a dozen Mills Automotive Team Members attend each event. Some Team Members escort test drivers in Ford and Lincoln vehicles on a safe, short pre-determined route near the dealership. Other Team Members supervise school staff and volunteers who register test drivers. Each test driver completes a two-part registration: before they drive and after they drive. All registrations are returned to Ford and Lincoln to be verified. All test drivers must be at least 18 with a valid license, and one test drive per household is allowed. 

Mills Team Members provide the very best Mills Guest Experience for schools, and everyone who test drives a Ford or Lincoln vehicle.

Ford started “Drive 4UR School” in 2007, making last year its 10th anniversary. $35 million has been raised for schools across the country in the 10 years. The Lincoln “Driven to Give” program started in 2011, and nationwide the program has raised more than $8 million for schools. 

When people get behind the wheel of a Ford or Lincoln in these test drives, Mills wants to make a positive impression of the brands, and most importantly, a positive difference in local area communities.