The Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) held its 10th annual A Celebration of Heroes, Heart and Hope Gala on June 8 at the Waldorf Astoria, New York. The event, attended by more than 50 challenged athletes and 1,000 supporters, raised a record-breaking $2.85 million.
From left: CAF grant recipients Kelly Ray, Breezy Bochenek, Haven Shepherd, and Alex Henry participated in the gala program. Photograph courtesy of CAF.
Willie Geist and Dylan Dreyer from The Today Show co-hosted the event, which featured a live WCMX (wheelchair motocross) and skate demonstration by Christiaan “Otter” Bailey and nine-year-old Kumaka Jensen.
“The transformational power of physical activity and sports should be accessible to everyone. No grants to individuals with physical challenges should go unfunded,” said Scott Stackman, the gala’s honoree, founder, and chairman, and CAF board member. “It’s thanks to our dedicated supporters who stand beside the Challenged Athletes Foundation in this premise that allow us to make this a reality.”