For Immediate Release
Mt. Juliet, Tenn.(May, 21, 2026)— Wilson Rides Inc. is celebrating a major milestone, five years of providing transportation, connection, and support throughout Wilson County.
While Wilson Rides was officially founded in April 2020, the organization’s journey looked very different than originally planned. Like many organizations, Wilson Rides was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic as the world came to a standstill. Although established in 2020, the organization was unable to fully launch services until February 2021.
Five years later, Wilson Rides has grown into much more than transportation. Through the dedication of volunteer drivers, community partners, and supporters, the nonprofit has become a lifeline for adults 55+, helping preserve independence, reduce isolation, and create meaningful connections throughout Wilson County.
To celebrate this milestone, Wilson Rides will host a 5-Year Anniversary Celebration presented by Famous Footwear on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at East Nashville Beer Works – Wilson County in Lebanon, TN. Festivities begin at 5:00 p.m., with Singo from 6:00–8:00 p.m.
This celebration is open to everyone. Community members, supporters, riders, volunteers, partners, family, and friends are invited to come celebrate with Wilson Rides as the organization reflects on five years of impact and looks ahead to the future. Wilson Rides volunteers attending the event will also receive a special discount on food and beverages as a small token of appreciation for the countless hours they have dedicated to serving the community.
One of the most meaningful parts of the Wilson Rides story dates back to the organization’s very first ceremonial ride on May 21, 2021. The first volunteer driver was the President/CEO of the Mt. Juliet Chamber of Commerce, helping launch the journey by taking Wilson Rides’ first rider, Gloria Wilson, on an inaugural trip from Del Webb Lake Providence to Just Love Cafe inMt. Juliet, TN.
What may have seemed like a simple ride at the time represented something much bigger, a new beginning and a vision for helping adults 55+ maintain independence, stay connected, and continue participating in the community they love.
Since beginning operations, Wilson Rides has provided thousands of rides and surpassed 225,000+ miles driven, creating programs that go far beyond transportation including holiday outreach initiatives, social gatherings, food box delivery partnerships, and programs designed to keep adults 55+ engaged and connected.
“Five years ago, we had a vision and a mission of helping people get where they needed to go,” said Executive Director Gaye Lynn Wilson.“What we quickly learned is that transportation was only one part of the story. People needed connection, friendship, and support. Wilson Rides became more than a ride, it became a family.”
As Wilson Rides celebrates this milestone, the need continues to grow. The organization currently has a transportation waiting list and is actively seeking volunteer drivers to help serve more adults 55+ in Wilson County. Volunteers can choose when, where, and how often they volunteer through a self-assigned online calendar system.
For more information about Wilson Rides, volunteer opportunities, or upcoming events, visit www.wilsonridesinc.org or call 615-622-5557.
About Wilson Rides
Wilson Rides Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization established in 2020 that aims to enhance quality of life and foster a connected community for adults 55+ in Wilson County, TN by providing safe, reliable, and affordable transportation to local destinations. More than transportation, Wilson Rides works to reduce isolation, preserve independence, and strengthen community connections.
Wilson Rides was named the 2022 Nonprofit of Excellence by the Lebanon/Wilson County Chamber of Commerce. Executive Director Gaye Lynn Wilson was recognized as the 2022 Wilsonian of the Year by the Mt. Juliet Chamber of Commerce and, in March 2026, was named Wilson County Adult Volunteer of the Year through the Governor’s Volunteer Stars Awards Program. The Wilson Rides signature event, Sips & Sounds, was named a 2022 Finalist for BestCommunity or Nonprofit Event, and Wilson Rides received the Community Enhancement Award in both January and April 2025 in Mt. Juliet, TN.
Follow Wilson Rides on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and LinkedIn @wilsonridesinc, and listen to the podcast Storytime with Wilson Rides. To learn more about Wilson Rides, volunteer, or support essential transportation services and programs, visit www.wilsonridesinc.org.
