PHOTOS: Safe Rides is Safe after Weekend Fundraiser: $30,000+ Raised

Safe Rides secretary, Emma Schaale and president Julia Moch at the Safe Rides fundraiser, Jan 14, 2017 Photo: Maatt Bracchitta

The good news for fans of Safe Rides is that Saturday night’s fundraiser at 49 Byfield Lane, a new construction from Silver Properties, was a hit.

“We succeeded in raising $30,000,” said Peter Negrea, a GHS grad now a freshman at Fordham University, who organized the event with current Safe Rides President Julia Moch (GHS senior), and Chad Silver (Hobart class of 2019.)

The $30,000 goal reflected the cost of operating the program for the remainder of the 2016-17 school year.

According to Julia, the event was attended by many local elected officials including first selectman Peter Tesei, Greenwich Police Chief Heavey, State Senator Scott Frantz, as well as TAG director James Boutelle, Elizabeth Barhydt and Miss Connecticut.

Scott Frantz and Peter Tesei at the Safe Rides fundraiser, Jan 14, 2017 Credit Matt Bracchita

“My most memorable conversation from the night was with State Rep. Fred Camillo,” Julia said. “I was humbled by his praise for the event and his support. He mentioned that he has seen some fundraisers similar to ours that have taken months to prepare and not been nearly as successful.”

Saturday’s fundraiser’s success was particularly impressive given that snow was falling heavily, and it was the final weekend before midterm for all high schoolers.

“I felt the turnout really showed the community’s compassion and need for Safe Rides. It really was awe inspiring to see our event executed with just three weeks of planning,” Julia continued. “It was a great opportunity to show the community the power of our Safe Rides team along with the countless volunteers within it.”

The committee included Matthew Bracchitta (Manhattanville class of 2020), Mia Levinson (Univ of Delaware class of 2020), Will Mackay (GHS 2017), Michael Negrea (GHS class of 2021), Tori Rojo (Northeastern class of 2020), Alexandra Sazhin (Quinnipaic class of 2020), and Jackie Steinman (Hobart class of 2020).

Jenny and Rich Byxbee at the Safe Rides fundraiser, January 14, 2017 Photo: Matt Bracchitta

The Safe Rides fundraiser on Jan 14, 2017 resulted in enough funds to run the program for the remainder of the 2016-2017 school year. Photo: Matt Bracchitta

Mr and Mrs Negrea at the Safe Rides fundraiser, Jan 14, 2017 Photo: Matt Bracchitta

Henry Cohen at the Safe Rides fundraiser on Jan 14, 2017. Photo: Matt Bracchitta

Peter Negrea chats with Scott Frantz at the Safe Rides fundraiser on Jan 14, 2017. Photo: Matt Bracchitta

Jackie Steinman at the Safe Rides fundraiser on Jan 14, 2017. Photo: Matt Bracchitta

The Safe Rides fundraiser on Jan 14, 2017 resulted in enough funds to run the program for the remainder of the 2016-2017 school year. Photo: Matt Bracchitta