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GURNEE, Ill. — A Chicago-area Ford dealership's recent Drive-a-Thon, which let high school students test drive new Ford models, raised "significant" funds for the sports boosters club at a local high school.

Last month, Gurnee Ford Lincoln Mercury's three-day event allowed high-school students to take one of nine new models from Ford for 10-minute spin. For every test drive, the dealership donated a specific amount to Warren Township High School Athletic Boosters.

"I was thanked by both teachers and parents for this event," shared Tim Barcel, sales specialist at Gurnee Ford Lincoln Mercury." The kids were fantastic and it always feels great to be part of a winning cause."

Basically, the booster club uses events like these — along with concession stand sales and membership dues — to generate money for buying equipment and supplies for the school's athletic teams.

Items that the WTHS Athletic Boosters are looking to purchase include: new goals for the soccer team, new football helmets, and new uniforms for the cheerleaders as well as new track and girls' soccer uniforms.  

"With the support of Gurnee Ford and other community leaders, the WTHS Athletic Boosters are sure to provide top-quality equipment and facilities for all Blue Devil athletes," officials noted.  

Looking forward to other fundraising outreach plans for the dealership, Gurnee Ford Lincoln Mercury is once again reaching out to WTHS by sponsoring the hole-in-prize at the high school's 13th Annual Golf Outing that will be held next month.

It is slated for June 4 at the Bittersweet Golf Course.