Introduction

Rose and David Bongiovani of Waunakee had an agreement with their daughter, Sierra, that if she ever needed a ride, she would call-- no questions asked. Instead, the call they got at 4:00 a.m. November 10th, 2007 was from the coroner, telling them Sierra and a friend, Michele Koster, also of Waunakee, had died in a car wreck after drinking.

They later learned that she did call friends for a ride, but fled the party because the police were on their way.

The Sierra Bongiovani and Michele Koster Memorial Safe Ride Program exists in tribute to two Waunakee high school seniors who tragically lost their lives in an alcohol related crash on November 10th, 2007. The program which is run for teens by teens offers alternative transportation to teens who find themselves in a no ride situation. In addition to preventing students from driving under the influence or getting in the car with someone who has been drinking. The program hopes to increase safety by students who would otherwise be faced with the decision to walk alone at night, ride with an intoxicated friend who refuses to hand over the keys, or ride with a stranger. The Safe Ride Program encourages finding a safe ride for young people who find themselves in a no-ride situation.

The Boy Scouts of America in conjunction with KEYS (Keep Everyone You know Safe) is forming the program. KEYS will serve as the charter organization. KEYS is a community wide initiative to make impaired driving unacceptable. You can click on the key to go to their site.