Sisters nonprofit is a fundraising success

Sisters Transportation and RideShare (STARS) announced that its year-end ride sponsorship drive has raised a total of $8,100.

The STARS volunteer rideshare program provides Sisters Country residents with free non-emergency rides to medical appointments in Sisters, Bend, and Redmond. STARS “riders” are unable to drive themselves or afford private ride companies, and many rely on the service regularly. Each STARS ride costs an average of $50 and the organization set a goal of raising $5,000 — the equivalent of 100 sponsored rides — during its fundraiser, which kicked off on Giving Tuesday in late November and ran through December of 2024.

According to Rennie Morrell, STARS’ Executive Director, “This is our organization’s first sponsorship drive, and we are so humbled by the community’s incredible support. To be able to report that we exceeded our campaign goal by more than 50 percent is truly amazing and it reinforces what we’ve always known about Sisters Country residents; they step up for one another with generosity and heart. The 152 rides that have been sponsored will help keep our neighbors healthy. On behalf of the STARS team and all of our riders, thank you!”

Demand for STARS’ services has increased by 33 percent over the last year, for a total of 725 rides equaling 32,350 miles. The success of this campaign boosts the organization’s ability to keep pace with the growing need in the community. Morrell says sustainability is a top priority, and one that requires more than financial contributions. “Every monetary donation helps us cover insurance, mileage reimbursements, and fuel costs associated with rides, so year-round financial support is critical. But those rides wouldn’t happen without our team of volunteer drivers and dispatchers. Drivers are welcome to provide as many or as few rides as they would like, and the more drivers we have, the more people we can serve and support.”

For more information about becoming a STARS volunteer or to sponsor a ride, visit http://www.starsride.org.