Tag Archives: Driving Jacks

Driving Jack Shining Star Leaving for Graduation Concentration

September 17, 2012   schmidt

Grant Korbel, Director of Community Relations of SFA Driving Jacks, and Kelly Daniel, Membership and Marketing Manager of Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce, mingle and converse at the Alive After Five.Grant Korbel mingles, converses and networks with fellow businesses of Nacogdoches.Grant Korbel mingles, converses and networks with Kelly Daniel of the Chamber and a fellow worker of the Laird Funeral Home.

It’s official. Grant Korbel, SFA senior wildlife management major and current Director of Community Relations in SFA’s Driving Jacks organization, is leaving in order to concentrate on his upcoming graduation and last semester project.

“It’s my last year with the leadership position,” Korbel said. “I need to concentrate with graduating and it’s time to train someone else to take my place so that they can continue on with the relationship that Driving Jacks has with the community and the chamber.”

Driving Jacks, an SFA student-run on-campus organization, provides a safe, free and non-judgmental ride to SFA students and the Nacogdoches community. As of 2011, Driving Jacks has saved over 13,000 lives throughout SFA and the surrounding community.

In the fall of 2009 when Korbel first learned about the organization from friends who were already involved, he wanted to join. However, after barely missing the application deadline, he was forced to apply and join the following spring semester.

Korbel has been involved in the program for four years by connecting to SFA students and the community through the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce events, such as the Alive After Five event.

The organization, which was created in 2007 and became a chamber member in 2008, helps both sober and intoxicated people who need a safe ride home.

“All of the officials I have talked with, both University Police and NPD, are happy that we are getting people home safe,” Korbel said. “Also, we are dropping the number down of DUIs and alcohol related instances.”

As a chamber member, Driving Jacks has the opportunity to get the attention of the community and get the name out there for people to take advantage of possible bad situations and take care of them before they happen.

“The Chamber has been one of the most helpful organizations in getting the Driving Jacks’ name out to the community and helping the community understand what we do,” Korbel said.

With getting the name out there, being involved in chamber events is a must. Alive After Five events are a great way to do this.

“It’s an opportunity for memberships to come together in a confortable and casual setting to network and meet new business contacts,” said Kelly Daniel, Membership and Marketing Manager of the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce.

This month’s Alive After Five event was hosted with Laird Funeral Home in downtown Nacogdoches on Thursday, September 12.

“It was a more open venue,” Korbel said. “Normally, it’s tight nit.”

According to Korbel, there normally is no real seating or a way to converse comfortably.

In last week’s event, “they made it more about getting the people to talk – more about the community,” Korbel said.

However, Alive After Five events are not the only events that Driving Jacks are involved with. According to Daniel, Driving Jacks also volunteer for the Texas Blueberry Festival in June of every summer by directing the shuttle bus for the Pick Your Own Blueberry Farm and organize and produce the Blueberry Golf Bash.

“ I’m very impressed with the student organization,” Daniel said. “I believe they have a clear mission and understanding of their contribution and responsibilities to the school and community.”

The relationship between Driving Jacks and the chamber is very important to the safety and development of the community and college.

“We try to make ourselves available for them and they do the same for us,” Korbel said of the Chamber of Commerce. “It’s equal sharing. We talk highly of them and they talk highly of us.”

Although Korbel is leaving in order to pursue his last semester assignment, he will still have his many relationships with the chamber, businesses and community members.

“Several SFA students have participated in chamber events but Grant certainly stands out as a shining star,” Daniel said.

Korbel is widely known throughout the community because of his chamber involvement and will continue to rise.

“He brings fresh ideas to the committees,” Daniel continues to say of Korbel. “He is dependable and willing to pitch in for the benefit of Driving Jacks and the chamber.”

Driving Jacks is available Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. and can be contacted by phone at 936.652.6600.

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Driving Jacks Fun Run 2012

April 23, 2012   Jessica Payton


 

 

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Driving Jacks Raises Money With “Stupid Cupid Car Bash”

February 24, 2012   Stanton Cagle

-February 14th, 2012

On an overcast Valentine’s Day students in interest and amusement gathered around an already beat-up car in the middle of SFA campus being bashed and battered with mallets by others wearing protective glasses. The booth and most people gathered around it are draped in lime-green: wearing shirts, handing out lime-green flyers and taking donations from anybody willing to listen.

This signature green is of course the calling card of Driving Jacks, arguably one of the most popular, surely among non-profit, organizations on SFA’s campus.

Most students have Driving Jacks number in their phones (936-652-6600), wear their green shirts or wristbands, and have used the service at least one weekend night while in their four years here at school. Friends encourage it, party facilitators promote it and parents love hearing about it.

The group does have it’s fair share of critics and skeptics alike but it is extremely well received by the students on campus. Driving Jacks realizes that instead of singling out and punishing college kids for drinking (underage or not), but embracing and accepting their decisions and responsibly helping them, that a beautiful relationship can exist.

Driving Jacks also assures that the local police encourage and promote the use of the service to all Nacogdoches area residents and SFA students.

A service that is safe, free, non-judgemental, responsible, local… and did I mention free?

Stupid Cupid Car Bash

The purpose of the public display of window breaking and tail-light smashing on a holiday known for compassion and love however was for Driving Jacks’ “Stupid Cupid Car Bash”, an annual event “to raise money for nights of operations which include providing gas for the rental cars, cost of renting the cars and monthly bills.” A part that not everyone thinks about at 1 a.m. on a Saturday night, but is obviously an important aspect of keeping the non-profit alive.

A student, glasses, hammer and dollar bill included, bash's for Driving Jacks cause.

At 10 a.m. on a Tuesday you’re inclined to investigate the loud bangings and aggressive screams coming from the central of campus which is what undoubtedly happened. Certain students seemingly payed for five or six rounds on the old sedan tallying up an impressive tab. But from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. without any weather interruptions like the previous day, you could bet people had at the old piece-of-junk car all day.

Driving Jacks Mission

According to  President Vanessa Lazaro, Driving Jacks “mission is designed to help avoid future tragedy and facilitate a safer community.” Driving Jacks accomplishes this mission by “providing free, non-judgmental rides to intoxicated students & residents and students & residents who are rendered incapable of transportation due to other circumstances.”

“Other circumstances” typically means drunk college students on Thursday-Saturday nights. While this may be true the organization offers more than a guilt-free pass to party on the weekend. Lazaro provides that since Driving Jacks “(has started) operating (in January) 2007, the number of DUI’s in Nacogdoches decreased by approximately 50%.

Driving Jacks hours of operation are Thursday through Saturday 10 P.M. to 3 A.M.. They stop receiving calls at 3:00 A.M., but will complete any rides called in prior to 3:00 a.m.

The number of rides depends on events going on certain weekends, but on average about 40-50 rides are given out a night. Not only does this keep college kids of out jail but it keeps drunk drivers, often with no other alternative but to drive, off of the road. From fraternity parties to birthday celebrations, nights at the Sports Shack or at your best friend’s house, Driving Jacks is there to assure everyone has a good time and gets home safe while doing it.

Lazaro did make sure to maintain that the student run organization doesn’t “discourage nor promote underage drinking.” She went on to say the “purpose (of Driving Jacks) is to prevent people from driving under the influence and provide a service that allows them to get home safely if they do make the decision of drinking that night.”

History

At over 100 members, the successful campus presence does have a story. The concept was developed by Amy Shields who spearheaded the original safe ride program at SFA. But after being tragically struck and killed by a drunk driver in 2004 the idea never could leave the ground.

Until January 25, 2007 when Driving Jacks officially gave their first ride. Needless to say the service is still very successful, plus highly used, rated and marketed around the SFA campus and Nacogdoches. Driving Jacks hosts events on campus (see the Driving Jacks “Mr. Greek” event page on Facebook) and the Nacogdoches area, offers other services like being able to personally rent out cars for events and does all this while maintaining a positive non-profit image.

When asked what the most memorable moment in her Driving Jack tenure was, Lazaro replied by being “given the opportunity to meet Amy Shield’s parents.” She added “everything that we do is in memory of Amy and having her parents come and see everything that we have accomplished was such a remarkable feeling.”

Driving Jacks prides themselves on making their patrons feel as comfortable as possible when they take Driving Jacks and encourages everyone to use our service to prevent any future tragedies while having fun at the same time.

Additional Information

If you’re interested in joining the Driving Jacks team the requirements are as simple as being an SFA students with a 2.0 G.P.A., having a driver’s license, mandatory training sessions, a flexible schedule, $20, and a passion for helping the community. Additional information can be found on the website.

All donations will be used to provide safe rides and to educate the students of SFA and members of the Nacogdoches community of the dangerous risks of drinking and driving. You can donate more to Driving Jacks by going to their website under the “Sponsor” tab and filling out the Sponsor Packet.

To say the least the event was successful with surprising amount of students watching and engaging on the dreary day, even at 10 a.m. The total amount raised was never disclosed, best rest assured the funds will be put to use helping students and residents get homes safe.

Contact

Phone: 936-652-6600

Office:936-468-1589

Room: 3.300

Student Center Email: DrivingJacks@gmail.com

Web: www.DrivingJacks.com

Mail: SFA Station Box # 13029 Nacogdoches, TX 75962

Facebook: I Love Driving Jacks

 

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Driving Jacks and the Mr. Greek Pageant

February 13, 2012   Sarah Hall
When most hear the word “pageant” they associate it with beautiful women competing for a title, but Driving Jacks has put a spin on the word and two members of each Fraternity can compete for the title of Mr. Greek. On Tuesday, February 21 Driving Jacks will be hosting the second annual Mr. Greek Pageant. The Pageant will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom of the Baker Pattillo Student Center.

In an interview with this years pageant director and Driving Jacks’ Director of Sponsor Relations, Brett Bailey, the details were explained.

“Mr. Greek is a pageant consisting of Greek Fraternities, each fraternity can have a representative and they compete in four categories,” said Bailey.

The four categories include; Introduction, where they will come on stage in their choice of clothing while the MC reads a short bio and their song of choice is played; Talent, where the contestants will attempt to charm the judges through the talent of their choice; Swimwear, and ending with a Question and Answer session, which will also pair with Formal Wear.

“[I] am running for Mr. Greek to show my support for Driving Jacks and the great service that they willingly provide, free of cost. They offer a great service to individuals who need a sober ride home and is something that I would hope all campuses would adopt,” said Sigma Alpha Mu member Jordan Boyd.

Driving Jacks is hoping to raise $2,000 for their annual budget with the Mr. Greek pageant. The budget for 2011-212 is projected to be around $25,946

“Mr. Greeks profits go towards the annual budget of Driving Jacks. We have an extensive budget so it is just one of the fundraisers that we hope will fulfill the budget,” said Bailey.

The Judges for Mr. Greek include Former Miss Texas and a Top 10 Semi-finalist for Miss America, Mrs. Tara Watson-Watkins; President of Panhellenic, Ms. SFA and the 2011 Senior Homecoming Duchess, Ms. Casey Furche; and SFA Alumni and Faculty member Mr. Ryan Horne. The MC will be Ms. Lindsie Stafford.

Driving Jacks will be taking applications for contestants through Tuesday, February 14 and can be picked up and turned into the Driving Jacks office on the third floor of the Baker Pattillo Student Center.

Tickets to Mr. Greek will be sold at the door and will be $3 for anyone wearing their Greek letters and $5 for anyone not wearing Greek letters.

The reigning Mr. Greek is Kyle Larson, who won the title last year after he preformed his talent of scooter tricks.

“My tricks included ‘The Dog and the Fire Hydrant’ (as pictured in the pine log), ‘trick or treat’ (I threw dollar store candy into the audience. I did ‘figure 8′s’ and I think I did a ‘statue of liberty pose’ with a bunch of american flags. For the grand finale, I ‘jumped’ over two new members,” said Larson.

The mission of Driving Jacks is to provide free, non-judgemental, and safe ride home to all SFA students and local patrons who seek out their services. Their primary goal is to prevent future tragedies within the student body as well as the Nacogdoches community. Driving Jacks operates Thursday through Saturday evenings between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m, with the exception of student holidays.

“We want our drinking and driving prevention to be as effective and efficient as possible. Since we began operations in January of 2007, we have successfully given over 15,000 safe rides home,” said Bailey.

Mr. Bailey also mentioned many other fundraisers on the agenda for Driving Jacks this year which include concession stands through out the year as well as car washes. Also in the coming weeks Driving Jacks will be having a Car Bash.

“We are doing a Stupid Cupid Car Bash. You can come out by Surfin Steve and bash a car for a small price,” said Bailey

Be sure to stay on the lookout for more details about the Stupid Cupid Car Bash and the many other Driving Jack events taking place this semester.

For more information on Driving Jacks or the Mr. Greek pageant visit  the Driving Jack office on the third floor of the Baker Pattillo Student center or call them at 936-468-1589 or visit their website www.drivingjacks.com

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Driving Jacks chosen as Chamber member of the month

December 07, 2011   Ambreishia Lewis

SFASU service organization Driving Jacks has been selected as the Nacogdoches Chamber of Commerce member of the month for both September and October.
Driving Jacks, an organization whose mission is to provide free, safe, non-judgmental rides home for SFA students and the Nacogdoches community was created in 2007 and became a chamber member in 2008.

Driving Jacks provides a sfae, non-judgemnetal, free ride home for all SFA students and Nacogdoches citizens

According to Kelly Daniel, the marketing and membership manager for the chamber, the organization appointed itself as member of the month. “By increasing their membership status from a small non-profit organization to a large one, it allowed the organization the membership spotlight for the month of September.” However, after reviewing the impact and involvement DJ has in the SFA and Nacogdoches community, Daniel decided to give DJ the honor for the month of October as well.
Since giving its first safe ride on January 25, 2007, Driving Jacks had made a tremendous impact on the number of DWIs in Nacogdoches. According to the Nacogdoches Police Department, the number of reported DWIs decrease 50 percent from 78 in the fall of 2006 to 39 in the fall of 2010. During their four years of operation, DJ has logged more than 13,000 safe rides and many more saved lives says DJ President Brittany Minchew.

The program initially began as an idea from SFA student Amy Shields, who visited another university who had a similar program for their students and thought it would be a great program for the SFA community. Tragically, later that semester, Amy was killed by a drunk driver on Highway 59 North. After her death, the Student Government Association pushed for the creation of a safe ride program. The program was enacted in the spring of 2007 and is coming up on its fifth anniversary in January.

The operation of the organization requires the dedication from student members volunteering to work on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. during the fall and spring semesters. “A small group goes “Shielding” around 10:30 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays”, says Minchew. “They go bar to bar and pass out fliers, talk to the employees and business patrons. We do it as a reminder to the community that we’re here if they need us.”

Besides the driving and volunteering, the financing of the program and increasing community awareness are important and required elements for Driving Jacks to operate. According to Minchew, the program cost around $26,000 a year to run. DJ receives funding from grants provided by the Nacogdoches Junior Forum and by Enterprise Rent-a-Car service. But it’s SFA alumni Thomas Haisten, class of 1992, which keeps the organization afloat. Once Haisten, became aware of the Driving Jacks program, he has vowed to help the organization in anyway possible. “I lost a good friend from getting hit by a drunk driver on Old Tyler road,” says Haisten. “I think about how much we needed that when I was and SFA student. More lives would have been saved.”

Drinving Jacks volunteer Taylor Brooks has worked with the organization for four years. ” I began to work with Driving Jacks beause my grandfather was killed by a drunk driver and i would never want any other family to experience the pain me and family felt.” “Each night that we work, we have a huge party at the headquarters and wait for the calls to roll in.” “Workin with the organization has been a great experience.” “Knowing that Im saving lives is a great feeling, plus we get to drive awesome cars.”

Driving Jacks decided to become chamber members for the networking and business community exposure benefits. Minchew mentions that since Driving Jacks provide the safe ride service to the community, not just to students, the chamber is a way to make contacts with business and community leaders. And since becoming involved with the chamber, DJ has participated in many community events including the chamber’s Blueberry Golf Bash and Texas Blueberry Festival.
Driving Jacks has won SFA’s Organization of the Year award for four consecutive years and in the 2010-11 school year, logged 19,000 hours of volunteer service in Nacogdoches.

With their fifth anniversary approaching, the Driving Jacks will celebrate on the night of operation closest to the anniversary by having a simple birthday party with cake, ice cream and SFA alumni. But when the call comes in to pick up a group of students, they will jump in their cars ready to serve Nacogdoches and save more lives.

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