By: Erin Konate—
Schools are constantly seeking opportunities to finance their extra-curricular activities and athletic programs. Yorktown High School recently had a unique opportunity to partner with Stoops Automotive Group (Buick GMC) and General Motors – earning an estimated $8,660 to support their athletic programs.
Yorktown High School was chosen to be part of a “Buick Drive for Your Students” event sponsored by Stoops Automotive Group with the help of General Motors. The event was an 8 hour Buick drive staged at the Yorktown High School football stadium on October 2nd. Supporters lined up to test drive the 20 plus Buick and GMC vehicles provide for the drive.
Stoops Automotive Group was one of the many dealerships chosen to implement the Buick Test Drive event by year end. “This is big for our area,” says Mr. Randy Stoops, Owner. “We know how hard it is for our schools to raise funds to support their extra-curricular and athletic programs. In fact, this year we were fortunate enough run two Buick Drive events.” The opportunity allowed Stoops Automotive Group to also support Muncie Central High School with a test drive event just this past May. If GM continues to run the program into 2016, Stoops looks to share the opportunity with other local schools.
During the Yorktown High School 8 hour event, 433 test drives were completed on the Yorktown campus, test driving vehicles every 10-15 minutes to accomplish the goal. “Mr. Kyle Hall, YHS Athletic Director really got behind the program from the start,” said Erin Konate, Stoops Customer Relations Manager. “He saw the potential and he rallied teachers, parents, and supporters who came to YHS to complete a test drive of a new Buicks or GMC.”
Erin said, “This was not about selling vehicles, but about showcasing the new Buick and GMC models. Plus, allowing people to get behind the wheel and at the same time support the school.”
The dealership works directly with General Motors who offers the Buick test drive event. Each test drive taken earns the school a $10 donation. When the event exceeds 100 test drives, Buick doubles the donation to $20 per valid test drive. The program has a $10,000 max donation amount, which requires 500 completed test drives.
According to Erin Konate, that is a lofty goal. “We’ve heard from our GM representatives that the majority of the events have a difficult time hitting the 500 test drive goal. However, that was the goal we set from the jump and worked hard to achieve.” She attributed the success of the event to the support from the YHS administrators, “Ultimately, hitting 433 test drives is amazing and the success was a direct result of the support from YHS Athletic Director, Mr. Hall; Mrs. Melissa Ritchie, Athletic Secretary; and Superintendent, Dr. Jennifer McCormick. “We’re impressed with the dedication and loyalty of their educators, parents, and supporters, ” said Konate.
Mr. Randy Stoops was on hand at YHS and actively participated in the event, “From the time the test drive event opened, there were people lined up waiting to take a drive. It was great to be a part of their Homecoming events and see many familiar faces.” Stoops added, “We always look for ways to support the community that has supported us for many years and appreciate the relationships we’ve made along the way.”
About Stoops Automotive Group
Stoops Automotive Group (Buick – GMC) is a family owned and operated full-service automotive dealership located in Muncie, IN – Proudly serving Delaware County and surrounding areas for more than 25 years. Offering a superior customer service experience within all departments: New Buick & GMC, GM Certified & Pre-Owned vehicle Sales, Service & Tire Center, Parts Center and Collision Center – The Stoops Team is customer and community oriented focused on integrity, pride, and quality. Stoopsauto.com, @StoopsAuto, facebook.com/stoopsauto
About Buick
Buick is a modern luxury brand offering vehicles with sculpted designs, luxurious interiors and thoughtful personal technologies, along with responsive-yet-efficient performance. Buick is attracting new customers with its portfolio of award-winning luxury models, including the Enclave crossover, LaCrosse sedan, Regal sport sedan, Buick Verano sedan and the all-new Encore crossover.
Erin Konate is Stoops Customer Relations Manager
