Those of us involved with developing and growing the SafeRide America program are often asked by people that personally know us: "Why do you do this?". 

They ask because it is a non-profit.

Everyone agrees that it is an awesome idea, yet, everyone seems curious as to why we do it. I mean face it, when someone owns a company and it succeeds, they make a very good living usually.  As a non-profit no one individual owns NCPID and SafeRide America.  There are no shares of stock, no dividends, in fact no profit.  It belongs to the people...it belongs to everyone.

Starting a grass roots non-profit has proven to be one of the toughest challenges we have ever faced.  To date we have not yet received any large donations, but we have gotten by. We operate on a very small budget and are forced to maximize every dollar we take in. I know, I know...sob, sob, sob.

As my sister would say: "Quit having a pity party!"

It has always been our belief that one day someone that can afford to will see the value in making a large contribution to NCPID and SafeRide America allowing us to acquire the tools, technology and staff to take the SafeRide America program nationally.  That they will see the difference they can make in this world by saving lives through SafeRide America. We continue to hope.

My purpose in writing this particular Blog is to say thank you and to help those of you interested in why we do what we do understand why we do it.

First, thank you to all of those involved with SafeRide America and NCPID.  Though it is a short list at the moment, it is growing and they all deserve a big thank you.

Thank you to our drivers. Without you, SafeRide would not exist. You are the ones providing a way for people to be responsible for their actions. A way they can get safely home. Because of you, lives are being saved.

Thank you to our volunteers. Without you, we could not have made it this far. You have helped keep the dream alive and you continue to sacrifice your time, money and effort for others. You are heroes.

Thank you to our sponsors. You provide us the financial resources we so desperately need. You are the reason we are able to provide the SafeRide Service for less than a cab and for free when people really need the help. Your support over the years has made a huge impact in helping save lives. You keep our doors open and give us the ability to keep pushing forward.

Thank you to our donors. We cherish every penny. The money you have so graciously given us has taken us to new heights. Because of you we are now able to provide more than 400 SafeRides a month. The social impact you have made through your giving is extraordinary. You have given us the tools we so desperately need. Your efforts demonstrate the feeling you have that every life is precious and NCPID is so very thankful for your generosity.

Thank you to our members and regular users of the SafeRide Service. Thank you for making responsible decisions. Thank you for calling on us when you need us. Thank you for making the right choice and the best decision. Please know that your life is precious to us and that we are here when you need us most.

Lastly, thank you to the staff of NCPID and SafeRide America. You are all heroes and champions for the cause. You are the ambassadors making it all possible. Without you, SafeRide is only a dream. You make a reality. THANK YOU!

I think the poem below sums up the reason of our existence and why we all do what we do here at NCPID and SafeRide America.

BUILDING

An old man traveling a lone highway,

Came at the evening cold and gray,

To a chasm vast and deep and wide.

The old man crossed in the twilight dim,

For the sullen stream had no fear for him,

But he turned when safe on the other side,

And builded a bridge to span the tide.

"Old man," cried a fellow pilgram near,

"You're wasting your time in building here.

Your journey will end with the closing day;

You never again will pass this way.

You have crossed the chasm deep and wide,

Why build you this bridge at even-tide?"

The builder lifted his old gray head:

"Good friend, in the path I have come," he said,

"There followeth after me today

A youth whose feet must pass this way,

This stream which has been as naught to me,

To that fair-haired youth may pitfall be.

He, too, must cross in the twilight dim:

Good friend, I am building that bridge for him."