CALERA – The principals from Calera’s four schools gathered on Tuesday, Oct. 17, for a check presentation with leaders from Alabaster’s Ernest McCarty Ford dealership.

Ernest McCarty Ford’s Drive 4 UR School event raised $2,060 for Calera schools. Desaree Jackson, principal of Calera Middle School; Genet Holcomb, principal of Calera Elementary School; Haley Franks, principal of Calera Intermediate School; and Branden Vincent, principal of Calera High School were all on hand to accept the check from Ernest McCarty Ford sales manager Carl Valentine.

Each school will receive $515. Jackson said each school will use the money for programs that promote academic success and achievement for the student body.

The event, which was held at Quick Lane Tire and Auto Center, allowed residents to test drive Ford vehicles. For every test drive, Ford Motor Company donated $20. More than 100 people test drove vehicles.

“We were very excited to have this opportunity,” Jackson said. “The theme for all of our schools this year is ‘It Takes a Village’ and the event was an opportunity for our village to contribute to the schools.”

Franks said the event marked the first time all of the schools have come together for a joint fundraiser.

“The support was amazing,” Franks said. “I love to do things that allow us to get everyone together.”

Drive 4 UR School began in 2007 as a way for Ford to give back to communities across the country. The idea was simple: Test-drive a Ford vehicle from a local dealership, get money for your school. The success of the school program inspired the launch of Drive 4 UR Community, allowing Ford dealers to partner with nonprofit organizations as well.