Adopt A Cause

Adopt-A-School/Adopt-A-Cause started with a simple idea in 2002. That idea was for businessmen in Wichita to align themselves with schools in the area and donate items to needed schools. It then evolved into helping teachers and kids. After Les Eck, owner of Rusty Eck Ford, and his wife Pam heard from teachers how many kids were coming to school and didn't even have the basic supplies to learn, they started a golf tournament to raise money for classroom books and supplies. Area golfers became great partners in helping raise money we could give teachers to help buy supplies for kids or the classroom. Area businesses also donated food, drink, and prizes, so 100% of the proceeds go to the teachers and kids. Not many charities or fundraisers can say that. The teachers started volunteering to help at the tournament, and the golfers heard heartwarming stories of how the money was used.

When the golf tournament maxed out, Les & Pam started the Adopt-A-School car giveaway. They kept buying cookie dough, candy, etc, and the organization or school only held a small percentage of each dollar. Les & Pam never ate any of that stuff, so they said there has to be a better way to get them a more significant share of fundraising money. So each year, Les Eck and his wife Pam donate a car to be given away to the lucky winner.

The charity has evolved beyond schools. Any non-profit organization, school fundraiser, church, group, or charity can sign up for the tickets.

The selling organization then keeps a suggested donation of $10 per ticket. So again, 100% of the proceeds are owned by the group that raised them. The winner gets to pick a vehicle from a participating store valued up to $25,000. This has grown yearly, with one classroom collecting over $40,000 for their project.

For more information on participating in the Adopt-A-School/Adopt-A-Cause program or to sign up, please call us at 316-616-1180.