Test drive for a cause

WARWICK — The staff of Leo Kaytes Ford and Ford Motor Company are joining forces on Friday, Sept. 6, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Upper Hudson Valley.

The staff hopes to do 300 test drives in one day; for every test drive, the Ford Motor Company will contribute $20 for a total of up to $6,000.

This year the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is honoring one of Leo Kaytes Ford’s employees who passed away a year ago, Mark Kretz.

Kretz, former sales manager at the dealership, died a year ago at the age of 47.

“His life was cut short by this terrible disease and we are doing everything we can to try to raise money and awareness for this disease,” Leslie Culkin, general sales manager, said in the press release announcing the program. “We have been touched by this so much in the last few years - not only the patients but also the families that it effects - this is so important for us. This past year we have gotten to know so many people personally that Leukemia and Lymphoma has effected - it seems to be everywhere.”

Leo Kaytes Ford’s staff has created a team - Team Kretz - and are hoping to raise $10,000 for the Light the Night Walk in October.

The community is asked to stop by Leo Kaytes Ford on September 6th and take a car for a ride. No purchase necessary: Just take a short ride and fill out a survey.