FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Gaye Lynn Wilson
Executive Director
Wilson Rides Inc.
615-622-5557
[email protected]
www.wilsonridesinc.org
Wilson County, TN (May 14, 2025)— Wilson Rides, Inc. proudly celebrates four years of service to older adults 55+ in Wilson County, marking thousands of miles, hours, and moments of connection since its first ride on May 14, 2021.
Founded as a nonprofit in April 2020, Wilson Rides was created to support the independence and well-being of older adults through reliable transportation services. Due to the pandemic, operations were delayed until 2021. In February 2021, Gaye Lynn Wilson was hired as the organization’s first Executive Director. She was tasked with launching the nonprofit and beginning ride services within three months—a goal that was met with unwavering determination.
On May 14, 2021, Wilson Rides completed its first official ride, followed by a ceremonial ribbon cutting and celebration ride one week later on May 21, 2021, marking the beginning of a new chapter in older adult mobility in Wilson County.
Since that time, Wilson Rides volunteers and staff have provided transportation to 172 older adults, helping them maintain independence, attend medical appointments, access essential services, and remain engaged in their communities. Over the past four years, the organization has:
- Completed 2,966 round trips, totaling over 10,217 individual trips or tasks
- Driven more than 155,241 miles across Wilson County
- Donated 8,762 volunteer hours
- Served and uplifted over 930 older adults with the delivery of Easter bags and Christmas gifts
These seasonal gifts were made possible thanks to the incredible support of the Mt. Juliet Breakfast and Noon and Lebanon Noon Rotary Clubs, as well as generous local businesses and individuals who believe in the mission of Wilson Rides.
In addition to service milestones, several dedicated volunteer drivers have achieved remarkable mileage markers in Wilson Rides’ history. These include:
- Bob Morrison, who drove the 25,000th mile
- Lucy Di Benedetto, who reached the 50,000th mile
- Diana Cavender, who marked the 75,000th mile
- Greg Butler, who completed the 100,000th mile
- Dave Domzal, who drove the 125,000th mile
- Tom Buckton, who achieved the 150,000th mile
“Every mile represents more than a ride—it’s independence, family, and connection,” said Executive Director Gaye Lynn Wilson. “We’re proud of what our volunteers and supporters have helped us accomplish, and we look forward to continuing to grow our impact across Wilson County.”
Wilson Rides continues to expand its reach, empowering older adults to remain active and connected through volunteer-driven transportation services. To learn more, volunteer, or donate, please visit www.wilsonridesinc.org.
About Wilson Rides
Wilson Rides Inc is a 501(c)3 charitable organization established in 2020 that preserves quality of life and fosters a connected community for older adults in Wilson County, TN, by providing safe, reliable, affordable, volunteer-driven transportation to local destinations. Wilson Rides was named “2022 Non Profit of Excellence” by the Lebanon/Wilson County Chamber of Commerce, Executive Director Gaye Lynn Wilson was named “2022 Wilsonian of the Year” by the Mount Juliet Chamber of Commerce, Wilson Rides Event “Sips & Sounds” was named a “2022 Finalist for Best Community or Non Profit Event” and Wilson Rides received the “Community Enhancement Award” January and April of 2025 in Mt. Juliet, TN. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn @wilsonridesinc and our Podcast – Storytime with Wilson Rides. To learn more about Wilson Rides, please visit www.wilsonridesinc.org
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