On May 20, 1989, the concept began--- A concept of affordable transportation for the blind and visually impaired in Greater Omaha, defined. A concept that, at times, proved nearly impossible to achieve, but, at the same time, also proved challenging. At the May meeting of the Omaha chapter, we discussed subsidized taxi service for the blind and visually impaired in the Greater Omaha area. Deciding surveys should be designed to Assess community needs, during the summer of 1989, they were distributed among eligible participants. Not surprisingly, most said they would use it if it were available. The concept of which I speak is referred to as "Share A Fare."
Many fund raising activities have supported the Share A Fare concept including candy bar sales, Christmas boutiques, benefit dances held at a local Eagles Club and an all-you-can-eat spaghetti buffet at a local Italian restaurant in La Vista.
While these fund raising projects prove beneficial, Share A Fare, in 1993, was advised of the Ethel S Abbott Charitable Foundation and their wanting to assist Share A Fare annually as they have been doing for Give A Lift in Lincoln. After establishing contact, and provided three criterion were met, Share A Fare would receive $10,000 annually. Share A Fare, on January 18, 1997, received its long awaited $10,000 grant. A press conference at the Happy cab offices, announcing publicly, the awarding of the grant by the Ethel S. Abbott Charitable Foundation was held on February 12 at 9:00am.
Share A Fare has received financial support from other charitable foundations including, The Alan & Marsha Baer Foundation, who provided us with our first $250 in 1989,The Omaha Association of the Blind, and a one time grant totaling $30,000 from The Nebraska Commission for the Blind & Visually Impaired. We have also received funding from various sources wishing to remain anonymous as well.
Share A Fare, now known as Share A Fare Inc, was recognized as a corporation July 25, 2003 and was granted temporary 501C(3) status, commencing April 1, 2004, from the Internal Revenue Service. Permanent 501C(3) status was granted March 21, 2008. While the board of directors continues to seek funding from identified sources, tax-deductible contributions by private citizens and corporations are welcomed and encouraged. For your convenience, our federal tax identification number is 71-0957506. Please send contributions to:
Thank you!