Thanks to the generosity of dealers with C. Wimberley Automotive and many others throughout the community last fall, plans for the upcoming Celebration Graduation are rolling along at full speed.

The local car dealership recently cut a check to the organizers of the annual graduation night event for just under $6,000 for the “Drive One 4 UR School” fundraiser that took place last October. The contribution was the largest since the dealership began working with Celebration Graduation for the fundraiser, said Martha Hassle, who spearheaded fundraising for the 2017 event.

Seniors and parents visited the Dowagiac Ford dealership for the check presentation and personally thanked everyone there for their help, Hassle said.

Around 300 people in the community participated in the Drive One 4 UR School in October, Hassle said. Local residents were asked to test drive one of several Ford vehicles parked in front of the high school that morning. For every test drive, Celebration Graduation received $20.

In addition to several dealers who pitched in with test drives, many students also helped out with registration. Some seniors even made baked goods, which they sold to raise additional money for the program, Hassle said.

“It [Drive One 4 UR School] is one of the nicest fundraisers we have because everyone can help, including the seniors and the parents,” Hassle said.

Through it and other fundraisers, 2017 Celebration Graduation organizers raised $25,000, which will go toward paying for travel and other expenses for a trip for seniors the night of their graduation, in June. Hassle said that everything should be lined up for the trip, which will remain a surprise to seniors.

Hassle thanked the community for once again making Celebration Graduation a reality through their donations and support.

“It takes a village,” Hassle said “Every year, the community steps up because they see the value in a night where we can keep our seniors off the road and provide them with fun in a safe environment.”