Our Mission
Our mission is to further Sidney’s legacy by creating safer, more livable towns for families
Founded in 2023 after 5-year-old Sidney Olson was killed in an intersection, the Rainbow Fund is focused on furthering Sidney’s legacy of curiosity, kindness, and community. Our programs help to create safer, more livable towns for families.
Every year, more than 1,000 children are killed in traffic-related crashes in the US, and many thousands more are severely injured.
The Rainbow Fund’s programs focus on the key ingredients of livability, including designing safer towns and opening access to programs that inspire a love for education and healthy lifestyles. Based in Andover, MA, the Rainbow Fund has already served hundreds of families in Massachusetts and received statewide and national media coverage for the advocacy work of its founders.
Our Team
Eric Olson
President
Pronouns: He/him
Since a driver killed his 5-year-old daughter Sidney in a crosswalk, Eric has become a vocal advocate for vulnerable road users like her. He is president of the Sidney Mae Olson Rainbow Fund, which he co-founded with his wife Mary Beth Ellis on the belief that all children deserve safe, welcoming spaces to live, learn, and play. Together, they’ve driven swift changes to road design, speed limits, and a vision zero plan in suburban Boston – and have grown a large community of advocates known as “Sidney’s Rainbows.” They’re quest for change has been featured frequently on Boston TV networks and in the Boston Globe.For the past 20 years, Eric has been an executive for several global software companies, in addition to supporting his wife’s successful triathlon career. He is an avid cyclist, trail runner, and skier who lives in Massachusetts and Vermont.
Mary Beth Ellis
Vice President
Pronouns: She/Her
Sidney’s Mom, Mary Beth, was forever changed by the violent crash that killed Sidney. Sidney was the driving force and beautiful light leading her family and community both before and after her death. Mary Beth started the Rainbow Fund with her husband Eric Olson to keep her spirit alive and open doors for kids to live active and curious lives. As a former professional triathlete Mary Beth loves working with the Rainbow Runners and sharing her love of running with the youngest athletes. And as a mom she is passionate about the Rainbow Fund’s advocacy work to fight for safer streets for vunerable users and working towards vison zero. Mary Beth continues to coach and train adults and children in swimming, biking and running and loves spending time with her family on the trails of Massachusetts and in the mountains of Vermont.
Peggie Ritzer
Treasurer
Prounouns: She/her
As a grieving mother, Peggie knows very well that there is no greater loss than the loss of a child. While her daughter Colleen’s life is mourned each and every day, Peggie encourages those around her to live by Colleen’s word s and find good in every day. She is the founder, president and chairman of the board of the Colleen E. Ritzer Memorial Fund, Inc. and has worked tirelessly to ensure Colleen’s legacy is never extinguished and continues to expand. Her goal is the same for Sidney, to carry on her legacy.
As a CPA, Peggie brings a diverse skillset to the foundation ranging from financial accounting and taxes to organizational management. When Peggie isn’t busy managing her accounting practice or spreading Colleen’s legacy, she is spending time with family, her husband Tom and children Dan & Laura, as well as friends, whether it be by the beach, on a walk or just spending quality time together.
Linda Shottes Bouchard
Board Member
Prounouns: She/her
Linda Shottes Bouchard began her career at the non-profit organization, SHED Children’s Campus in 1992. She grew from her original role as School Age Coordinator to School Age Director and then to her current role as Executive Director. Linda has worked alongside her staff to grow this organization
from a grass roots program to a thriving campus that serves over 400 families. Her curiosity about the needs of children and families inspired conversations with her teammates to further
programming at SHED Children’s Campus and all our rooted in the foundational
pillars of the Reggio Emilia philosophy, mindfulness, organic gardening, community and nature are a living, breathing force at SHED.
Linda has an amazing passion for life. She loves to play and dream big. Linda brings her passion and playful spirit to her leadership role at SHED. Linda lives a life of gratitude and she feels blessed to be part of an organization that spreads out the rippling effect of goodness to its staff, children and families.
Mari Strait
Board Member
Prounouns: She/her
With over 15 years of experience in leadership and performance coaching for global companies, Mari is committed to lifelong learning and personal growth. She works with leaders at all levels, from C-suite executives to individual contributors, specializing in areas like psychological safety, team development, and culture change by empowering individuals and teams to create inclusive and productive work environments.
Beyond her professional life, Mari cherishes moments with her husband and two young children in Andover, MA. Her perfect day is either spent at the beach, basking in the sun's warmth and the soothing sound of crashing waves, or skiing down powder-covered slopes, feeling the exhilaration of every turn.
Katie Carbone
Board Member
Prounouns: She/her
Katie is an Andover resident with two elementary-age daughters, one of whom was a dear friend of Sidney's at SHED. As a marketing communications professional and longtime grassroots organizer, Katie knows how to bring people together to generate positive change. Katie also serves on the board of Bancroft Elementary's PTO and is a Girl Scout troop leader.
