*This story is part of our 2010-11 Mizzou in Review series.*
STRIPES has been one large success this academic year. The safe-rides organization has increased their number of running cars from 10 to 12, increased organization membership and on a larger scale achieved the 100,000 safe rides given milestone earlier this semester.
STRIPES celebrated the milestone by handing out free STRIPES “100,000 Rides” T-shirts in the MU Student Center while accepting donations to the organization.
When The Maneater first spoke with STRIPES Fundraising Assistant Chris Rucker he and the STRIPES team were still in the midst of a well-deserved celebration.
“We will be looking forward to when we reach the next 100,000 ride mark,” he said said.
Since the initial celebration STRIPES launched a campaign to raise $100,000 for the 100,000 rides given. Although STRIPES is still in the process of raising the goal amount, the organization has gained earned and deserved support from MU and the community of Columbia.
STRIPES has been dedicated to serving MU students since its first night of operation Oct. 4 2001. What began as a mutual idea between five MU students has expanded into an organization that has gained the capacity to give over 100,000 safe rides in less than 10 years of operation. The Wellness Resource Center made sure to recognize the organization and volunteer’s dedication as well by supplying STRIPES with more than $10,000 in extra funding during the 2010 fall semester.
“We (The Wellness Resource Center) have always been the biggest cheerleader for STRIPES,” Wellness Resource Center Director Kim Dude said. “STRIPES is the single best thing MSA has done.”
Although STRIPES has received outstanding and deserved recognition throughout the year in anticipation and celebration of the 100,000 safe-rides milestone, the organization will continue their expansion through the summer in preparation for the 2011-2012 academic year.
STRIPES has been testing smart phone applications in preparation of a STRIPES specific dispatch program. The program will be compatible with iPhone and Android applications so that patrons can request a ride without calling in. The dispatch program will hopefully be launched over the summer for use in the fall, Worrall said.
STRIPES has delivered and impressed this academic year and will only push the envelope further through its next year in operation.