The Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) has confirmed that its 8th Annual ‘A Celebration of Heroes, Heart and Hope’ gala will be held on 11 June in the Grand Ballroom of the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City. The event will be hosted by the TODAY Show’s Natalie Morales and Willie Geist and will honour William Ackman, Founder and CEO of Pershing Square Capital Management.
More than 900 supporters are expected to attend and celebrate what it takes to grow stronger while raising funds for CAF’s mission to help those with physical challenges live active and healthy lifestyles.
A Celebration of Heroes, Heart and Hope showcases the healing and transformational power of sports. Attendees have the opportunity to meet inspirational challenged athletes who overcame barriers to succeed in sports – and in life. Last year’s Heroes, Heart and Hope gala raised more than US$1.2 million to help fulfil CAF’s mission.
“For more than 20 years, CAF has provided crucial support to help those with physical challenges, so they can get active and involved in sports,” said Scott Stackman, gala founder, committee chairman and CAF board member.
“From a warrior returning home after being injured on the battlefield to a child born different – no one should be denied the healing power of sports. It therefore gives me great honour that for the past eight years, our New York community has come together for the Celebration of Heroes, Heart and Hope gala to raise important funds for this valuable cause. We look forward to this year’s event providing record support.”
The evening will feature stories of heroic and triumphant challenged athletes including:
- Celeste Corcoran, a Boston Marathon survivor who may have lost both her legs, but certainly not her spirit
- Alana Nichols, the first female Paralympian, or Olympian, to win gold in both Summer and Winter Games
- US Navy Lieutenant Brad Snyder, a Paralympic swimmer who found his way to gold after losing his vision to an IED blast
- Braylon O’Neill, a 5-year-old double amputee who captured the hearts of millions starring in the Microsoft Super Bowl commercial
The Heroes, Heart and Hope event will feature a one-of-a-kind live auction including a coveted entry to the 2015 Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii.
CAF thanks the contributions of its generous sponsors who help make A Celebration of Heroes, Heart and Hope a success. The 2014 event sponsors include Pershing Square Capital Management; Julie & Martin Franklin; Harbinger Group; Jeffrey Altman Foundation; Daniel S. Loeb/Third Point; Rachel & Gary Sumers; Scott Stackman; Blackstone Charitable Foundation; Fisher Brothers Foundation; Charlotte & Gary Gilbert; Ironman; Gail Stackman; UBS Americas and many more.
www.heroesheartandhope.com
www.challengedathletes.org
