Help our Designated Drivers become Not for Profit

Who we are: We are a Designated Driver service based in Rockford Illinois and we have been operating for almost two years. We take the excuses out of driving intoxicated. Most people use excuses such as they don’t want to wait for a taxi (which can take up to two hours in our area), they don’t want to abandon their car in a city lot, or they don’t want the “shame” of getting into a cab.

What we do: We responded to those excuses by getting bars and restaurants involved and working with them to staff drivers on site right at their establishment. We also drive the customer in the customer’s car eliminating the need for them to leave their car behind. Finally, since the customer isn’t using a cab, there is no shame factor; in fact, their friends probably have the perception that the customer has “status” because they have a chauffeur at the tip of their fingers that will drive their personal car!

Where we do it: We currently cover all of Winnebago County Illinois and parts of Boone County. As part of our switch to not for profit, we plan to extend our service area.

When we do it: We currently offer service from 11pm until 2am Tuesdays through Saturdays. As part of our switch to not for profit, we will solicit donations to keep drivers on the streets longer with a goal of 24 hours per day and an expansion to offering drivers for medical appointments and work commutes.

How we do it: We have drivers work independently and in partners. Our independent drivers serve the needs of customers requesting a pick up at their house to be taken bar hoping or event going at an hourly rate. Our partnered drivers staff sponsor bars, restuarants and "float" around town to pick up calls at establishments that don't participate by placing drivers inside their establishments. We utilize a toll free vanity phone number (855) DUI-STOP and a local number (815) 977-7007. We use a GPS based dispatch software that customers can use to schedule rides on line. This dispatch software also allows the customer to log in and check the status of their past, current and future oders. They can even look in real time to see where thier driver is.

Why we need funding: We only staff the streets when we have funding. We would like people to help support our operation by donating towards our legal fees to become a not-for-profit and to keep extra drivers on the street to keep up with our growth. Currently, 100% of our sponsorship funds are being used to put drivers on the street. We have created 21 driver positions this year in the Rockford, IL area alone. Our administration is all volunteer and bills accrued to operate are paid from our ride fares that are collected.