Categories: EventsFeaturesNews

Ride Connection’s 30th Anniversary Party Celebrates Transportation for All

Elaine Wells, Ride Connection’s Executive Director of 24 years who will be retiring in June, and Julie Wilcke Pilmer, Ride Connection’s deputy director and incoming Executive Director

Portland, OR. Nearly 300 guests came together in celebration of Ride Connection’s 30th anniversary at its annual Going Places gala. A gracious customer, Carolyn Tracy, shared her story of how having access to transportation changed her health and her life. Elaine Wells, Ride Connection’s Executive Director of 24 years will be retiring in June; she was honored by Julie Wilcke Pilmer, Ride Connection’s deputy director and incoming Executive Director. The event on May 18th raised a record-breaking $119,000 and brought the organization only $5,000 away from its ambitious three year campaign to raise $1 million, which ends June 30th. The night ended with a heartfelt standing ovation to the organization’s outgoing Executive Director of 24 years, Elaine Wells. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus)

Ian Jaquiss, Disability Awareness Trainer & Outreach Specialist at OHSU, and Jan Campbell, Information Specialist at Aging and Disability Services at Multnomah County

Kim Wilson, Owner at Holst Architecture with Kirsten Gwynn and Ben Ott, Designer at Holst Architecture

Carolyn Tracy shared her powerful story of how Ride Connection’s services saved her life.

Margaret Clark, Ride Connection volunteer and supporter

Ride Connection provides transportation services to older adults and people with disabilities in the Portland metro area. By offering a range of services from rides, training on transit or transit fare assistance, Ride Connection helps people who would otherwise be socially or physically isolated.

Here’s a video about the program:

For more information: https://rideconnection.org/

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.