Across the United States, there are vital arts, music and sports programs that are being cut annually due to growing budgetary constraints and lack of funding.

Today’s youth are missing out on extremely valuable opportunities to expand their knowledge and diversify their interests, as well as the chance to have a little fun. Sunset Ford wants to keep these opportunities available for local students in the Affton School District.

Sunset Ford is bringing the Ford Motor Co.’s Drive 4 UR School program to the Affton community in an effort to raise up to $6,000 for the Affton School District. For every person who takes the wheel and test drives a new Ford vehicle at Affton High School Saturday, Sept. 22, Sunset Ford and the Ford Motor Co. will donate $20 to Affton. The funds will go toward Affton Strong, the persistence to graduation program launched this year throughout the district — from Affton Early Childhood all the way through Affton High School.

“We know funding for school programs is hard to come by, and we want to do our part to help make sure these programs remain available,” Jim Heutel, Sunset Ford general manager, stated in a news release. “We’re excited to raise money for the Affton Schools.”

The event, which will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., will feature many vehicles from Ford’s lineup.

Dealership staff on site will be able to assist with all vehicles and provide additional information about each vehicle available for test drive.

Since the start of Ford’s Drive 4 UR School program in 2007, more than $11 million in donations have been generated for high schools nationwide.

Participants must be 18 or older and have a valid driver’s license. There is a limit of one test-drive per household. All test drives will last roughly 7 to 10 minutes.