ITNMontereyCounty Independent Transportation Network Monterey County 50,000th Ride Celebration
Save the Date! We’re celebrating a great milestone in Monterey County! The community and media are invited to the ITNMontereyCounty (Independent Transportation Network Monterey County) 50,000th Ride Celebration! ITNMontereyCounty was founded in 2012 and provides dignified rides to anyone over 60 years of age, or those with visual impairments over age 18.
At a Glance:
What: ITNMontereyCounty’s 50,000th Ride Celebration
Where: BMW of Monterey, 1 Geary Plaza, Seaside, CA 93955. Valet parking will be provided.
When: Wednesday, August 28th from 4 pm – 6 pm
Brief elected officials’ ceremony at 4:30 p.m.
The event will include a hosted wine reception sponsored by Scheid Vineyards along with light appetizers from Gusto’s compliments of BMW Monterey.
In attendance will be Founder of ITNAmerica, Katherine Freund, among other local dignitaries.
Celebration will commence with volunteer driver Tomi Nemes escorting member rider Joan B. in a reenactment of the 50,000th ride in a BMW convertible.
Katherine Freund will be visiting from Portland, Maine, the birthplace of ITNPortland and headquarters for ITNAmerica.
The newest 2019 and 2020 BMW models will be on display and available for test drives.
RSVP to [email protected] or call (831) 233-3447
About Katherine Freund, Founder of ITNAmerica
Katherine Freund is an award-winning national expert on transportation solutions for America’s aging baby boomers. Freund has not only led the nonprofit Independent Transportation Network (ITN) senior transportation movement for over 20 years, she has courageously told the personal story that inspired this movement. .
“Transportation needs are too often an ‘out of sight, out of mind’ experience. We need to take notice before the accidents occur, and engage the people who can become part of the solution.
Freund herself was inspired to start the Independent Transportation Network when she realized why her son was run over by an 83-year-old driver in late 1990’s. That driver, like so many other older Americans, did not have equivalent independent transportation options available to give him the confidence to hang up the keys when it was time.
About ITNMontereyCounty
Dignified transportation for seniors
Area Agency on Aging has identified transportation as the #1 need for Seniors in many areas of Monterey County.
Beginning its service in 2012, ITNMontereyCounty (itnmontereycounty.org) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that provides 24 hour/7 days-a-week transportation for seniors (age 60 and older) and visually-impaired adults (age 18 and older) to help them remain independent and active in their community. Supported by members and donors, ITNMontereyCounty is unique in that it provides arm-through-arm, door-through-door service. It provides a higher quality of life by offering any ride for any purpose within the service area.
ITNMontereyCounty currently serves over 450 members and has delivered over 50,000 rides in 12 local communities within the greater Monterey and Salinas areas. They are now expanding to service with pilot projects supported through Aspire Health Plan in South Monterey County.
Volunteers have been trained and background-checked, and drive at their convenience in their own cars that are insured and inspected. They give rides that are typically less than 20 minutes.
The volunteer drivers find it rewarding, meet interesting people while helping others, plus they earn mileage credits for themselves or a loved one, or can receive mileage reimbursement.
Seniors may also trade in their automobile for ITN transportation credits. The service, which may be used for any purpose, is often used to get people to and from medical appointments, personal care appointments, recreational activities, and social occasions.
The organization needs more volunteer drivers and local supporters. More than 70 million Americans – that’s 1 in 5 – will be over the age of 65 in 15 years, and may start to experience diminished capacity to drive safely.
According to Jessica McKillip, Executive Director of ITNMontereyCounty, “We are so proud that ITNMontereyCounty is reaching the milestone of providing its 50,000th ride and joyous to celebrate this achievement with the community. The seniors we serve enjoy our volunteer drivers and our service, relying on us to keep independence. Our volunteers develop close relationships with those they drive and satisfaction of helping seniors live happier, more independent lives.
For more information, to volunteer as a driver or donate your car, go to itnmontereycounty.org or call (831) 233-3447.
About BMW of Monterey
With a passion for the new BMW models which are their specialty, and a true commitment to the drivers in the community, the team at BMW of Monterey offers everything needed for a top rate automotive experience. Discover new BMW cars, used vehicles and a team of car service, parts and auto loan professionals at their Monterey area car dealership. They won the 2019 "Best Of" Award from Monterey County Weekly for Car Dealership in the New Cars Category.
Some local favorites with drivers from Monterey, Seaside, San Jose, Salinas, and Santa Cruz are the 2015 and 2016 BMW 528i, m3, x5, and 328i. From the M Series to the 428 series, there are plentiful options for the most discriminating drivers.
The state-of-the-art BMW service center is within driving distance of San Jose, Salinas, Santa Cruz and Monterey. They make it simple to order parts and schedule car service appointments online too. Their trained BMW technicians are on hand to answer any questions as well.
For more information, go to www.bmwmonterey.com.