On 18 June 2016, New York City will host the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) for the historic 10th annual A Celebration of Heroes, Heart and Hope Gala at the Waldorf Astoria New York to celebrate ‘A Decade of Difference’.
10 things about CAF’s A Celebration of Heroes Heart and Hope Gala’ in NYC:
1. About the event
Time and again over the past decade, the Big Apple has ‘revealed its big heart and shone a bright light on the remarkable and inspirational physically challenged individuals who are funded by CAF.’ The generous contributions have empowered a dynamic new generation of athletes, and provided them with life-changing equipment, support and opportunity.
Thanks to the gala and the leadership of its founder, Chairman and this year’s Honoree, Scott Stackman – over US$11.2 million has been raised and distributed to deserving CAF grantees in New York, across the United States and around the world.
2. The mission
It is the mission of CAF to provide opportunities and support to people with physical challenges, so they can pursue active lifestyles through physical fitness and competitive athletics. CAF believes that involvement in sports at any level increases self-esteem, encourages independence and enhances quality of life.
3. The history
In 2005, Scott Stackman attended CAF’s Aspen Medical Products San Diego Triathlon Challenge to raise funds in his father’s memory and earned the fundraising slot to IRONMAN World Championship in Kona. Scott was so taken by the weekend that he vowed to build and start an event in New York City. In 2006 Scott completed the IRONMAN World Championship, crossing the finish line while holding a picture of his late father, Howard, high in the air. Later that year, Scott calls the Board of Directors at CAF and says, “Let’s do this!” In 2007, history is made at the inaugural ‘A Celebration of Heroes, Heart and Hope Gala’.
4. The numbers
- US$563,000 raised in at the inaugural event in 2007
- Since 2007, adaptive sports equipment such as 154 Össur running feet and 385 sport chairs have been funded
5,293 guests have attended - Over US$11.2 million has been raised since 2007
5. The impact
Thanks to funds raised at CAF signature events like the gala, this year, CAF distributed more than US$3.7 million in grant funding to 2,098 athletes across the US and in 32 countries for expensive adaptive sports equipment, training and competition expenses, that are often not covered by health insurance.
In addition, more than 60,000 individuals have been reached through CAF’s other programs which provide mentoring, no-cost sport and mobility clinics and support for injured military and first responders.
6. About the 2016 Honoree – Scott Stackman
Scott’s vision, leadership and passion created the Challenged Athletes Foundation’s A Celebration of Heroes, Heart and Hope Gala in 2007. His journey with CAF began after the passing of his father, Howard Stackman, in 2004. From an early age, Scott’s parents taught him the importance and need to give back. His mother, Gail, has proudly been a pillar of support and together with CAF, they have ‘built a family, a community and a new tradition of philanthropy that can be passed from one generation to the next.’
Scott is a Managing Director at UBS Private Wealth Management, where he joined in 2008. Scott is a member of the UBS Pinnacle Council, an elite group of Private Wealth Advisors recognized for their expertise, service and successful client relationships. He earned his BA from the University of Maryland. Scott is an accomplished three-time IRONMAN triathlete and has successfully competed twice in the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona, Hawaii.
7. Past honorees
Byron Roth (2015), Bill Ackman (2014), Heroes of Boston (2013), Daniel Loeb (2012), Martin Franklin (2011), Stephen Freidheim (2010), Mark Holowesko (2009), David Moross (2008) and James Benson (2007).
8. The hosts
The evening will be hosted by The Today Show’s Natalie Morales and Willie Geist.
9. The schedule
18:00 ET – Cocktail reception and silent auction
19:00 – Ballroom doors open
19:15 – Dinner, introduction of Honoree and program
20:00 – Live auction
21:30 – Evening concludes
10. The sponsors
The 2016 A Celebration of Heroes, Heart and Hope Gala sponsors include: Julie & Martin Franklin, ROTH Capital Partners, Emily & Scott Stackman, Gary Sumers, Amandine & Stephen Freidheim, Charlotte & Gary Gilbert, Gilbert Films, Harbinger Capital Partners, Lisa & James Lillie, The Maguire Foundation & Lisa & Jamie Maguire, Miami Marlins, L.P. and Cindi & David Samson, Gail Stackman, Third Point LLC, UBS Financial Services, Diana & Joe DiMenna, Fisher Brothers Foundation, IRONMAN, Lyrical Asset Management, Mr. & Mrs. Frank H. McCourt, Jr. & McCourt Global, Alessandra & Alan Mnuchin, Pershing Square Capital Management, L.P., Mara & Ricky Sandler, and Spring Hill Capital Partners, LLC.
www.heroesheartandhope.com
www.challengedathletes.org
