The softball facilities at CCHS will receive upgraded batting cages for the 2019 season after Baugh Ford donated $6,000 during a check presentation on June 21.

The money was raised during the “Drive one for your school” event hosted on May 19, where Ford Motor Company offered to pay $20 for every test drive that was done by a CCHS supporter.

Over 400 test drives took place during the event, which easily met the maximum amount of $6,000.

“A big part of any company is to be involved,” owner Tommie Baugh said. “They [CCHS] had a great turnout.”

The test drive events are held three times each year in the fall, spring and summer seasons.

To win games, you have to score more than the opponent. In softball, that means hitting the ball.

“In our [coaching staff’s] opinion, hitting is the name of the game,” CCHS head coach Keeley Yeargan said.

According to coach, the current batting cage is so old and in need of repair that it was barely usable.

The new batting cage is expected to have a roof to provide shelter from the weather.

“It’s going to be amazing for the girls and the team,” Yeargan said.

The next “Drive one for your school” event is scheduled for the fall, and Isabella High will be the featured school looking to raise money.

According to Baugh, the promotion is an opportunity for Baugh Ford to give back to its home community while allowing fans of a specific school to show off their pride and passion.

“Any company can come into a community and just make money, but what the community likes is to see a company that puts more money back into the community,” Baugh said. “If we do that, we’ll keep growing with the community.”