Local students fundraise to stop bullying

Mike Davidson Ford to donate $20 for every test drive to help fund anti-bullying programs

NEPTUNE BEACH, Fla. – Bullying is a major problem nationwide and students at a local high school are doing they're part to put an end to it.

Fletcher High School and Mike Davidson Ford are teaming up Thursday for the "Drive One 4 Ur School" event, hoping to raise up to $6,000.

Not only do people get to test drive a brand new Ford vehicle, but there's no cost whatsoever. For every person that test drives a car, Mike Davidson Ford will donate $20 to Fletcher High School -- to help fund anti-bullying programs. The only requirement is that you must be at least 18-years-old and have a valid driver's license.

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"I think it helps those students as they move on in life, to view different situations in people in different lights -- not so close minded," said Mary Callaway, Co-Chair of "Drive 4 Ur School" fundraiser.

Callaway said she is ready for the big day. With the help of Mike Davidson Ford, they're hoping to raise $6,000.

"It teaches kids that someone that seems perfect to them, may not be perfect to them so it allows people to accept people for who they are," said Callaway.

According to studies by Yale University, people who are bullied are two to nine times more likely to consider suicide. At least half of suicides among young people are related to bullying. 30% of students are either bullies or victims of bullies. And 160,000 kids stay home from school everyday because of fear of bullying.

The money raised Thursday will go towards Fletcher's "Challenge Day", which happens in the fall. It's an anti-bullying initiative that provides workshops and programs to promote love and celebration of diversity, truth and expression.

Mike Davidson Ford is happy to be apart of raising awareness on the dangers of bullying.

"It used to be that with bullying, when a child left school, the bullying was over now with social media and everything else it never escapes them," said Mike White who works at Mike Davidson Ford.

The event is Thursday from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Fletcher High School. To participate, all you need is to be at least 18-years-old with a valid driver's license.