Two New Jersey automotive dealerships have teamed up with local public high schools to raise $15,700 in grassroots educational funding through Mazda’s national “Be Moved Drive Program.”
By converting routine vehicle test drives into direct charitable donations, Pine Belt Mazda in Toms River and Ramsey Mazda in Bergen County rallied local community members to support campus enhancements, expanded course offerings, and modernized learning spaces at Brick Township High School and Ramsey High School.
Alumni Connection Drives $8,850 for Brick Township High School
At Brick Township High School in Ocean County, an October 20 fundraising drive hosted by Pine Belt Mazda generated 177 test drives, securing $8,850 for the school’s Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) to fund upcoming school improvement initiatives.
The event carried personal significance for the dealership team, as several Pine Belt Mazda employees—including Dealer Principal Rob Sickel—are proud graduates of Brick Township High School.
“I went to Brick [Township] High School, so it’s a perfect opportunity to give back,” Rob Sickel, Dealer Principal at Pine Belt Mazda said. “We had a great event time here at Brick Township High School at the Mazda Be Moved Drive Program event. It feels so good to be able to give back to the high school that I went to, and I know all the kids and teachers are going to appreciate it.”
Faculty members emphasized the uplifting impact that local corporate support brings to public education.
“Pine Belt is huge in our area: they’re a staple in Ocean County and our community. To see them pitch in, it really helps to instill a lot of community pride and gratitude for them and their place in our community,” noted Lisa Stansbury, English teacher, field hockey coach, and parent of three Brick Township students/graduates. “A fundraising campaign like this – it generates excitement, it generates pride, pride in our traditions, pride in our past, pride in our future, and it’s something that can be uplifting for the school and the community.”
In Bergen County, an October 2 event hosted by Ramsey Mazda produced 137 test drives, resulting in a $6,850 dealership donation to support Ramsey High School’s brand-new RAM Center.
The newly inaugurated RAM Center is a transformed instructional space designed to facilitate hands-on learning, expanded course options, and collaborative extracurricular projects.
“It was an honor to welcome the Mazda team and members of our community to Ramsey High School for the Mazda Be Moved event and the grand opening of Ramsey’s RAM Center,” Andrew Matteo, Superintendent of Ramsey School District said. “Events such as this underscore how essential the RAM Center is as a collaborative center for real-world learning, equipping our students to become resilient, responsible, and ready for tomorrow.”
Dealership leadership reiterated their ongoing commitment to investing in local youth and educational infrastructure.
“At Ramsey Mazda, we believe in supporting the people and organizations that help our community thrive,” Kate Law, Director of Marketing & Business Development for Ramsey Auto Group said. “The new RAM Center represents an exciting investment in hands-on learning and innovation, and we’re proud to help raise funds that will support students as they develop skills that will serve them well, long after graduation.”
Now in its second year, Mazda’s nationwide Be Moved Drive Program partners local dealerships with public school districts across the country. By turning community engagement into actionable resources, the initiative provides targeted grant funding for high school programs spanning athletics, the arts, STEM labs, and career and technical education (CTE).
