Proceeds from test drive tour to benefit Humane Society

BMW’s “Drive For a Cause” campaign is making a stop at a regional dealership, hoping to continue making a difference in local communities.

Classic BMW, located at 2571 SOM Center Road in Willoughby Hills, is preparing to make its mark in Lake County through its participation in the company’s national summer test drive tour for charity.

“Lend a helping hand, with your foot on the pedal,” and “Drive to make a difference” are the vehicle manufacturer’s taglines for the summer test drive charitable tour which began in May and runs until September.

The goal is to raise $1.5 million for multiple charities across the country, according to the corporation’s site. Test drive tours also have supported Team USA in addition to numerous local charities.

One charity that will directly benefit from the national fundraising campaign is Lake Humane Society, a nonprofit animal shelter and community resource that has been serving Lake County and area homeless pets in need for about 80 years, said Mandy Osborne, director of community outreach and development.

“We are very excited to announce our participation. For every test drive taken, Classic BMW will make a contribution, donating up to $5,000 to LHS as a result of ‘Drive For a Cause.’ A donation of this size can truly help us provide care to so many animals in need, and we are beyond appreciative to be their charity of choice.”

Pre-registration test drive sign-up slots are available online. Test drives will run from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 25.

“I’d like to thank Classic BMW for their generosity and support of LHS,” Osborne said. “We look forward to contributing to a successful BMW ‘Drive For a Cause’ event. Without the support of businesses such as Classic BMW, LHS cannot continue to help the homeless pets in need right here in Lake County. LHS operates solely on donations, so an event like ‘Drive For a Cause’ is important and allows our invaluable programs and services to the community to be funded.

“The Classic Auto Group has been so supportive of LHS the last several years, and we cherish our partnership with them so much. They are a team of wonderful people.”

“Lend a helping hand, with your foot on the pedal,” and “Drive to make a difference” are the vehicle manufacturer’s taglines for the summer test drive charitable tour which began in May and runs until September.