More Than a Ride

About the Founder — Christy Kay Fuller

CK's Need-A-Lift began not with a business model or branding firm, but with a woman who saw a need in her community and filled it—one ride at a time. Christy Kay Fuller, known affectionately as Chrissy, launched the business more than 25 years ago with a single, well-worn minivan and a heart full of determination.

What started as CJ's Need-A-Lift, named after Christy and her original business partner, quickly became a local staple. A few years into the venture, Christy bought out her partner and renamed the company in her own honor—CK's Need-A-Lift, a reflection of her initials and her ever-deepening personal commitment to the mission.

From its humble beginnings, the business grew not through flashy marketing, but through word of mouth, reliability, and Christy's legendary kindness. She was the embodiment of community spirit—always available, always smiling, and always willing to go the extra mile, literally and figuratively. Whether she was shuttling seniors to medical appointments, helping a stranded patron home after dinner service, or stepping in when someone couldn't afford their fare, Christy was known to help first and ask questions later.

Christy's dedication extended beyond her business. She was a devoted member of American Legion Post 25, where she volunteered extensively and built lifelong friendships. She was also actively involved with Elks Lodge #1361, contributing her time and energy to causes that strengthened the community she loved so dearly.

Anyone who spent time in Cottonwood or the Verde Valley likely crossed paths with Christy. You'd see her at local diners, festivals, and neighborhood events—greeting old friends, making new ones, and never passing up an opportunity to lend a hand or share a laugh. She had a gift for connection. People gravitated toward her, and her presence always lit up a room—or a parking lot, or a shuttle van.

Christy was the kind of person who would loan money for someone's ride home, not to gain a customer, but because it was simply the right thing to do. She helped those she knew and those she didn't, with no expectation of recognition. Her impact was measured in hugs, thank-you notes, and the hundreds of lives she touched over the years.

Even as the business expanded, Christy ensured it never lost its small-town heart. Every driver she brought on board was chosen for their character as much as their driving skills. Every vehicle added to the fleet carried forward her core values: dependability, compassion, and community service.

In 2024, after a lifetime of giving, Christy Kay Fuller passed away, leaving behind not just a company, but a legacy of human connection and civic devotion. In her final act of stewardship, she entrusted CK's Need-A-Lift to her close friend and longtime ally, Danica Briseño—a fellow community advocate who shared Christy's values and vision.

Today, CK's Need-A-Lift continues to operate in Christy's memory, proudly serving the people of the Verde Valley with the same heart, warmth, and neighborly grit that defined its founder.