Record-breaking Ride Connection’s Luncheon Keeps People Moving

Ride Connection CEO, Julie Wilcke Pilmer and Keynote Speaker and Ride Connection Board Member, Vicki Schmall.

Portland, OR. Approximately 200 guests attended Ride Connection’s first annual “Lunch in Motion” on May 9th at the Sentinel. This new benefit raised a record-breaking $130,000 for the nonprofit, which provides rides for older adults and people with disabilities. At the event, Ride Connection CEO, Julie Wilcke Pilmer and Keynote Speaker and Ride Connection Board Member, Vicki Schmall posed for a photo. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus)

Representatives from Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon pause for a photo before the program.

The Enterprise Car Sales Team kicking off a $1,000 level of giving.

Washington County Chair Kathryn Harrington shows support with leaders from AARP and Washington County Health and Human Services.

Here’s a video about the nonprofit:

Supporters raising bidder cards high.

The program featured three customers who utilize Ride Connection services to access healthy foods and fun social interaction on one of Ride Connection’s community shopping shuttles as well as a keynote speech from Executive Director and Gerontology & Training Specialist with Aging Concerns, Dr. Vicki Schmall.

From Ride Connection:

The success of the event is largely attributed to generous matching donors, The Maybelle Clark MacDonald Fund, Fred Meyer and Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon. Funds raised at the event will help Ride Connection provide the vital services to keep older adults and people with disabilities moving and healthy in the Portland metro communities.

Ride Connection is a private, non-profit organization based in Portland, Oregon, dedicated to coordinating and providing transportation services to people with limited options in Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties. Our organization has been linking transportation to people in our communities for over 25 years.

We believe transportation is a basic human right. Access to transportation means mobility, and being mobile allows a person to connect with his or her community and other essential life destinations.

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.