On Wednesday, September 18th The Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) hosted its 18th annual Heroes, Heart & Hope Gala. The event founded by Scott and Emily Stackman was held at Casa Cipriani in the Battery Maritime Building, a historic landmark in New York City. The private member’s club, with a 47-room hotel and private event space, was the perfect location for the prestigious event honoring extraordinary athletes with physical disabilities.
The Heroes Heart & Hope Gala highlights the achievements of these athletes and the personal transformative impact CAF has on them. The emotional immersive event is partially focused on storytelling from the very courageous CAF athletes. The funds raised make a huge difference to these individuals.
The Stackmans have been involved with CAF as long-time advocates for over 18 years. CAF has been life-changing and transformative as the couple has not only chaired the event as philanthropists but has also focused on gala production and fundraising year-round so that CAF can support athletes, programs, and secure adaptive sports equipment. Together they have been instrumental in changing the philanthropic topography for CAF in the U.S., especially in the North East. This couple has inspired their most esteemed and influential guests and raised of over 2.4 million at the most recent Heroes, Hope, and Heart gala.
“CAF is helping the next generation of athletes break down barriers and achieve what was once thought of as impossible,”
“The funds raised at our Heroes, Heart, and Hope Gala will have a profound impact on the lives of athletes with physical disabilities, enabling them to achieve their full potential and thrive.”
Said Scott Stackman, Host, Chairman, and Gala founder.
Bob Costas, 28 Emmy award winner for his work on NBC, and 12-year Olympic Games host, conducted an on-stage interview with CAF 14-year-old Rosalie Parker. Parker, a friendly and spirited athlete from Boise, Idaho, captivated the audience with her remarkable story and her passion for adaptive sports through a CAF baseball clinic. She now serves as a role model within the CAF community. In 2020, Rosalie lost all four limbs in a life-changing car accident.
Rosalie presented Bob with a painting. “I painted a woman at bat to symbolize the start of my journey in CAF,” she said. ” “I want to give this to you because I know you love sports” She’s painted as a sunshine because it’s the beginning of a new life.
A longtime CAF supporter and volunteer since 2006, Alan Mnuchin was honored for his dedication and contributions to the foundation. Mnuchin and his family have actively participated in various events and have helped raise funds to support adaptive sports equipment and programs.
Misdiagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at a young age, Scott Sussman, a dedicated athlete and father, rediscovered adaptive sports later in life. He and his son Tyler, now diagnosed with Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia, participate in various adaptive sports, demonstrating resilience and the belief that anything is possible.
This critical fundraising event, raised over $2.4 million to support CAF’s mission. These funds help provide adaptive sports equipment and programs for individuals to live active and fulfilling lives with CAF.
There is still time to donate to the event to support challenged athletes in the Northeast and beyond, visit http://www.challengedathletes.org/hhhdonation to contribute to CAF and its programs.
About the Challenged Athletes Foundation
The Challenged Athletes Foundation® (CAF) stands as a global leader in empowering individuals with physical disabilities to embrace vibrant, active lives. CAF firmly believes that engaging in physical activity fosters self-esteem, encourages independence, and enriches the quality of life. CAF has been at the forefront of the adaptive sports movement for three transformative decades, catalyzing change and redefining possibilities. Since its inception in 1994, CAF has raised over $178 million and fulfilled 48,000 funding requests from people with physical disabilities across all 50 states and more than 73 countries, impacting another 60,000 individuals annually through its outreach efforts. From providing essential equipment like handcycles to offering mentorship and encouragement, CAF’s mission is clear: to provide opportunities and support to those who aspire to lead active, athletic lifestyles.
To learn more, please visit www.challengedathletes.org.
