Winnebago H.S. WRAMPS Club Held Their 3rd Annual Drive 4 UR School Fundraiser

DOUG SCHRODER PHOTO The Gazette
Those who help put on the Ford Drive 4 Ur School event: (L-R) John Schwuchow, Scott Bryden, Wendy Schneider and Will Hartje.

WRAMPS Club raises over $2000 for ‘Bago athletics
By Doug Schroder
CORRESPONDENT
The Winnebago High School WRAMPS Club held their third annual DRIVE 4 UR SCHOOL fundraiser at New Life Bible Church, located on Rt 20 and Hoisington Road, this past Saturday, May 4. From 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. anyone over the age of 18 could come and test-drive their choice of 12 brand new Ford vehicles. For each test drive taken, the Ford Motor Company donated $20 to the club. Over 100 people participated in the event, which brought the total raised to over two grand.
With a five-liter engine and automatic transmission, the orange 2019 Mustang GT proved to be a very popular choice amongst the cars offered for test-drives. The Ford Escapes were also a popular choice. Fully loaded super duty trucks also brought some interest, too.
Besides raising funds for the school, drivers were able to look over the vehicles and test them with absolutely no pressure to buy from salespeople, since no salespeople were present. Anyone interested in a vehicle would have to go to the dealership at a later time.
Vehicles were provided by Bryden Ford in Durand, with owner Scott Bryden on hand to assist with drivers and answer any questions they may have.
Bryden has been holding the DRIVE 4 UR SCHOOL events for 10 years now. Besides Winnebago, Hononegah and Durand high schools have also benefitted from this fundraiser.
“In total over $40,000 has been raised between the three schools,” stated Bryden.
In the past the WRAMPS club donated the funds to improve wheelchair accessibility at the high school. This year the club decided to donate the proceeds to Winnebago athletics programs, with one catch. Coaches from each team had to show up and test-drive a vehicle.
Winnebago Athletic Director Will Hartje was on hand to help with test-drives, and keep track of how much each team received. Each individual driver designated which team would receive the $20 from each test drive. I drove the orange Mustang and designated the funds go to the wrestling team.
As of 2 p.m., Coach Helm had driven a vehicle, along with Coaches Murphy, Erb and O’Rourke. Other coaches came after that time.
The Winnebago boy’s baseball team was scheduled to come after they finished their double-header.
Before the end of the day the girl’s volleyball team had already raised enough cash to pay for an upcoming summer camp.
Breakfast and lunch was also provided for those taking test-drives.
ABOUT WRAMPS
WRAMPS stands for “Winnebago students Rising up And Making Progress.” It is a student led campaign that was originally started to raise funds for wheelchair accessible ramps for the graduation stage. WHS students believe all peers should be able to utilize the stage together. The stage is used for a variety of school/community functions where wheelchair access is needed.