WRAP
Reporter
1999
Annual Report
The
President & CEO's Report
It
has truly been another banner year for WRAP and our lifesaving
efforts to stop the needless deaths and injuries caused by impaired
driving. It has been very rewarding for WRAP's board members,
staff and supporters to see the fruits of their labors pay off
with big dividends: our 1998 Traffic Safety Trend Report showed
another drop in alcohol-related traffic deaths in the region.
WRAP's SoberRideTM program, a free cab service, again
was a positive factor in keeping those impaired by alcohol from
getting behind the wheel, thereby stopping countless tragedies
before they happened. The media played an important role in
alerting residents to the service and calling for safe, sober
driving behavior. Our St. Patrick's Day and Halloween news conferences,
which were held to launch the program, attracted widespread
coverage from local stations helping to raise consciousness
about safety on these potentially high-risk holidays. I applaud
area police, local cab companies and our corporate sponsors
for your many outstanding efforts to keep residents safe on
the road.
Our youth efforts again continued to be an integral part of
the WRAP success story this year. The 1999 GEICO Student Awards,
the cornerstone of our youth efforts, was presented in a high-energy
rally/news conference at the MCI Center's National Sports Gallery.
The event gave WRAP the chance to give a high five to the hundreds
of high school students who promote alcohol and drug-free living
to their peers. The Sports Gallery provided an exciting venue
to honor the youth and encourage them to keep up their great
efforts.
This year was also a time of transition for WRAP. After eight
and a half years with the organization, I leave you to join
Leadership Washington as its president and executive director
where I have a chance to further hone the skills I developed
with WRAP. It truly has been a privilege and honor to lead an
organization that has touched many, many lives. The WRAP board
is an outstanding group whose dedication and commitment to safe
rides continues to inspire me and our staff. Many board members
became good friends, and all became heroes to me. I will miss
you all, but know I will continue to be a part of the organization
as a contributor and supporter in any way needed. I thank our
staff, especially Robin Black who was my right arm for over
two years.
I leave WRAP in very capable hands. I had the rewarding challenge
of bringing WRAP to new heights in terms of effectiveness, regional
visibility, national prominence and respect in the community.
I know WRAP's new team including Kurt Erickson and Beth Fusakio
will take the organization to the next level. This is very exciting
for WRAP, as well as for every resident and visitor because
that means more lives will be saved and more needless injuries
prevented.
Again, thank you for the opportunity to work with you and best
wishes for great success.
Sincerely,
Timothy Q. Kime
