RideFinders Earns Honors at 79th Annual Virginia PR Awards
RideFinders News
RideFinders is proud to announce multiple recognitions at the 79th Annual Virginia PR Awards Ceremony hosted by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Richmond Chapter at the Dr. Claude Perkins Living & Learning Center on the campus of Virginia Union University.
The annual awards program celebrates outstanding public relations professionals and recognizes some of the most creative and effective communications strategies and tactics taking place across the Commonwealth of Virginia.
RideFinders received a Commonwealth Award in the Environmental Sustainability Communications category for its flagship campaign, Count It. Change It.: Cost Calculator Activated. The Commonwealth Award recognizes exceptional public relations programs or campaigns.
Launched in May 2025, the campaign transformed everyday commute decisions into measurable environmental impact. Centered around Cost Calculator, a signature RideFinders character, the campaign translated transportation choices into real dollar savings and environmental benefits. Through data-driven storytelling and multimodal promotion, the campaign encouraged commuters to rethink how they travel and inspired meaningful action across the region.
As a result of the campaign, RideFinders achieved a 65% increase in green trips recorded, helping reduce more than 1.1 million vehicle miles traveled, avoid 489 tons of CO₂ emissions, and generate $784,667 in commuter savings. Supported by high-performing media placements and employer engagement, the campaign demonstrated how relatable, behavior-focused messaging can create measurable transportation, climate, and community outcomes.
RideFinders was also honored as a Finalist in the Capital Awards for both Social Media (Organic – no paid advertising) and Website categories, recognizing the organization’s continued focus on strategic outreach, brand visibility, and digital engagement. The Capital Award recognizes outstanding public relations tactics.
“This recognition reflects the creativity, innovation, and dedication of Team RideFinders,” said Cherika Ruffin, Executive Director of RideFinders. “We are proud to show that communications can do more than inform—they can inspire action, improve mobility, and create lasting benefits for the communities we serve.”
The awards further demonstrate RideFinders’ commitment to using strategic communications and community engagement to connect people with smarter transportation options across the Richmond region and beyond.
RideFinders thanks PRSA Richmond Chapter for this recognition and congratulates all award winners and finalists honored during the ceremony. Many thanks to the PRSA Central Ohio Chapter for serving as judges for this year’s awards.
