Over the past few months, the board of MAC’s Safe Ride has seen a rise in the numbers of people utilizing their transportation services.
Of note, said MAC’s Safe Ride spokeswoman Beth Tickner, was the night of Saturday, September 29 when volunteer drivers Martha Denio, Jason Perkins, and Erin Kiefer picked up a record 157 riders between 8 p.m. and 2:30 a.m.
Kelly Noonan, left, and Gisele Kress in MAC’s Safe Ride’s two transportation vehicles. Photo by Dana Armington
The increase in riders was especially prevalent during the month of August when three nights saw a ridership of over 100 people, Tickner said.
Between Monday, August 13 and Wednesday, August 15, 275 people were picked up and dropped off by volunteers Dylan Clark, Martha Denio, Diane Dale, and Ashley Heroux.
And on Friday, August 24, Eileen McCann and Nanci Russell transported 110 people to their destinations.“All of the drivers and the navigators come back and tell us what a fun and awesome time they had, and what a good feeling it was to be able to help out,” said MAC’s Co-Founder Gisele Kress.
Kress and Tickner said it would have been impossible for them to have reached such numbers if it had not been for the donation of their original orange van by the Enchanted Forest Water Safari, and the many fundraisers held on the organization’s behalf which enabled them to purchase a second 12-passenger van in time for the busy summer season.
The two women said they are grateful for the many donations they have received by mail, through fundraising events, the purchase of MAC’s sweatshirts and t-shirts, and random acts of personal support such as George Patterson’s donation of $100 of the proceeds he won in a 50/50 raffle at the Columbus Day Weekend Soccer Tournament.
They also acknowledged the continuing support of Enchanted Forest Water Safari that recently donated $1,942.58 in change collected at various locations throughout the water park over the summer.
MAC’s Safe Ride was founded in the memory of Matt Girouard and Craig Sears, who lost their lives in a car accident on October 11, 2009.
In honor of their memory, friends and family gathered at the Old Forge lakefront following the Friday, October 5 Columbus Day Parade for a balloon launch.
Forty-six balloons, signifying the collective ages of Craig, 24, and Matt, 22, were launched, many with messages attached.
“It gives everyone an opportunity to come together and regroup,” Tickner said.
While MAC’s often relies on repeat drivers, they are always looking for volunteers for both driver and navigator positions.
Those who would like to volunteer or find out more about MAC’s Safe Ride can go online to www.macssaferide.com, e-mail: MAC’s at Macs369.8121@gmail.com, or contact Kress or Tickner for more information.
