charitable non-profit organization

End of Summer Bash VI Promo

The End of the Summer Bash is Saturday, September 25, 2010 9am – 3pm at Meadowmere Park in Grapevine, Texas.  This Free Event provides a variety of outdoor leisure activities for those in the community of all ages with physical disabilities and their families.

Activities: Water Skiing, Scuba Demonstration, Jet Skis, Sailing, Kayaking, Swimming, Fishing, Disability Golf, Camping, Archery, Horseback Riding, Hand Cycling, Quad Rugby, Sled Hockey Equipment, Basketball, Climbing Wall, Face Painting, Remote Control Sailboats, Children’s Playground, Petting Zoo, Wood Carving, Silent Auction and much more…

Free food and drinks under the Grapevine AMBUC’s Food Court big tent.

Special Live Performances by JB Clark, and the Oak Lawn Symphonic & Marching Band.

Free Drawing for merchandise and gift-cards.

RISE is accepting preregistration for End of Summer Bash VI via email. Click on this link eosb@riseadventures.org and let us know how many folks in your group will be in attendance.

This years EOSB VI Title Sponsor is the Baylor Institute for Rehablitation.

Additional major contributors are: PepsiCo Enable, Southwest Airlines, Southwest Securities, Grapevine Parks & Recreastion Department, C&R Medical Supplies, and Lift-Aids.

We also appreciate the support of: Adventure Scuba, Hero’s on the Water, Classic Chevrolet, Pickles Custom Golf, Metroplex Adaptive Water Sports, John Horn’s Woodturning, Infinity Air, CIB Group, Backwoods, Grapevine AMBUCS, and Les Lacs Yacht Club.

CLICK HERE for a printable flyer for the event.

CLICK HERE for map.

WATCH SOME VIDEO FROM LAST YEAR’ EVENT!

The Adventure Scuba 3rd Annual Golf Classic is Monday, September 13, 2010!

RISE adds more contests and prizes! Hole In One Grand Prize, New Harley-Davidson sponsored by Harley Davidson of Dallas Texas!  Hole In One prizes for other Par 3 holes;  Sharp LCD Flatscreen TV, Set of Callaway Big Bertha Irons, Free RT Domestic Airfare for 2. Other contests: Closest to Pin, Longest Drive, Raffles, Silent Auction, and more.

RISE is proud to announce updated celebrity golfer’s in attendance!

Stephen Fangio, One legged PGA card holder golfer and inspirational speaker out of Phoenix, Arizona! A film crew will be on hand shooting footage for a documentary. To learn more about Stephen visit www.fangiogolf.com.

Join former Texas Rangers Major League Baseball Players Benji Gil and Jose Guzman as they host RISE Adventures first major fundraiser! The Adventure Scuba 3^rd Annual Golf Classic is Monday, September 13, 2010.

RISE Adventures is the beneficiary of all funds raised!

Become a Gold Sponsor and golf with one of our local sports celebrities scheduled to play;  Benji Gil (MLB)   Jose Guzman (MLB)  Chris Mahalik (MLB)   Jeff Frye (MLB)   Jeff Gossett (NFL/MLB)   Mike Phillips (MLB)   Mike Simms (MLB)       Rick Hill (MLB/Pro golfer)

Sponsors, Corporations, Donors, and Golfers CLICK HERE for numerous opportunities.  Click on this link to Pay via Paypal

Contact Carly Gil at cgil@riseadventures.org, 817-380-4355 or Julie Saeger at jsaeger@riseadventures.org, 817-789-8463.

CLICK HERE for a printable flyer.

Brenden Climbing Down Pleasant Pond Mtn.

This summer, my family and I traveled to Maine.  My wife used to live in Gorham, Me and her grandparents still have a “camp” where they spend their summers in Caratunk, ME.  They live right on Pleasant Pond.  One day we climbed up Pleasant Pond Mountain.  I carried Brenden up in a backpack, but he wanted to climb down the mountain on his own.  He did!  All 1.6 miles.  Here’s some of the video we had of his experience

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SaFp74MDeOA

Thanks to organizations like RISE Adventures for encouraging and empowering kids and adults similar to Brenden to do things like this!

Thanks,

Jeff Fry

Dallas Mavericks Wheelchair Basketball Water-Sports Picnic

This past weekend RISE held a water-sports picnic for the Dallas Mavericks Wheelchair Basketball Team to kick off the season.  The kids were all very excited to started the basketball season, and there wasn’t a better way to do it!  Several of the Junior Mavericks have never been jetskiing, tubing, or kayaking before, so this was a great opportunity for them to try something new with an organization that had all the right equipment and manpower. Tubing was by far the highlight of the day.  At first, the kids were tenative because they had never done it before, but after the first round, you couldn’t keep them off of it. With each new round, the kids and their families wanted to go faster and faster, holding their thumbs up, screaming even louder with excitement, seeing just how far they could push the limit. Even the coaches got in on the tubing action! The day was filled with music, food, friends and a great time. Thank you RISE for helping the kids break some more barriers down in their life and giving them the confidence to try something new.  We all know that they will be talking about this day with their friends from school! The Junior Mavericks couldn’t ask for anything more! Thank you RISE for providing a great opportunity for the children and their family at no cost!

Michelle Torina

CLICK HERE to view more photos of the event.

Baylor Institute for Rehabilitation Water Sports Picnic

On Saturday July 31st, Baylor Institute for Rehabilitation sponsored a spinal cord peer mentor water sports picnic for peer mentors, patients, and family members.  The event was organized by RISE adventures and was held in Meadowmere Park on Lake Grapevine.   The activities that were offered for individuals with disabilities were water skiing, jet skiing, boat rides, tubing, swimming, sailing, kayaking, golfing, and hand cycling.  Over 100 volunteers, participants, and Baylor staff attended the event along with four Baylor patients.  In addition to the water activities, participants were able to enjoy hamburgers, hot dogs, and brisket as well as cold drinks to help beat the heat.  A free raffle was also held with Dallas Cowboys gear and backpacks as some of the prizes.  All participants received a t-shirt for attending the water sports event.  The event was a success showing appreciation for our amazing peer mentors.   CLICK HERE for more photos of the event.

Rise Fishing–Thank You

Hi Paul and Andy,

I want to give Andy and Traci a huge thank you for taking Alex, and Rich and I, fishing on Lake Ray Hubbard this past Saturday.  Not only did he get to catch his first and second ever catfish (see attached pictures [and feel free to use or share them]), but he also got to meet a really great mentor in Andy.  And Rich and I got to meet two new awesome friends!

Alex is eager to go out again Andy, so if you have any night fishing coming up or daytime fishing, please let us know.  Also, by chance, did Alex leave his Texas Rangers baseball cap on your boat;  if so, can you just store it for him under the seats or something and the next time we fish with you, we can retrieve it for him–thanks!

Paul–your organization is amazing!

Thanks,

Dawn

CLICK HERE to see more fishing photos.

Spina Bifida Water Sports Picnic was held Saturday, July 17th.

There are always way too many people to thank for their unconditional support. Without the financial support of C & R Medical Supplies & Lift-Aids and their personal involvement none of our free programs would be possible! It was over 100 degrees but the temperature did not dampen the spirits. The huge turnout of children with disabilities and family members enjoyed a full day of water skiing, jet skiing, water float rides, swimming, sailing, kayaking, golf, lawn games hand cycling, and lunch of hamburgers and hot dogs. A huge “Thank You” also goes to Albert Estes/Scottish Rite Hospital, Spina Bifida Board and staff and the large number of Volunteers that endured a long hot day of fun in the sun!

CLICK HERE for more photos of the event.

RISE is proud to announce the addition of two new volunteer staff members brought aboard to handle all Fundraising and Marketing! Welcome aboard Carly Gil and Julie Saeger!

RISE is proud to announce the addition of two new volunteer staff members brought aboard to handle all fundraising and marketing!  Welcome aboard Carly Gil and Julie Saeger! Julie is a long time friend and top sales representative for a few of my commercial businesses. Carly was the youngest Ms. Texas ever in 1995 and married to Benji Gil, a former Texas Ranger Baseball Player. For a full bio please go to the staff section of our website.  If you are interested becoming a major private or corporate donor, a golf sponsorship, or building a financial relationship with RISE Adventures Julie can be reached at jsaeger@riseadventures.org and Carly at cgil@riseadventures.org.

Paul Gray/CEO/RISE Adventures, Inc.

RISE remembers Steve Carlson

Steve Carlson, July 24, 1961 – August 9, 2009,by Paul Gray/CEO/RISE Adventures, Inc.
It has almost been a year since RISE lost a good friend and staff member, way too early in life. Steve helped establish RISE and led our hand cycling, fishing, and children’s hunting and camping programs. He is sorely missed. He was always proud of his involvement with the organization and the commitment to our mission. I believe Steve is in a better place now. I also believe things happen for a reason even though I struggle to understand why so early in life when he had so much to offer of himself to others. We have struggled with a fitting way to permanently memorialize Steve and his involvement with RISE. I am open to any and all suggestions that will keep his name and spirit alive. Please email me at pgray@riseadventures.org.

This link is last year’s memorial produced by Chris Goad.

North Texas Perspective Radio Show KSCS 96.3

RISE Outreach Director Mike Peters was interviewed by Hondo of North Texas Perspective on KSCS 96.3 The Texas Original.  The show aired early one Sunday morning a few weeks back so we decided to upload it here.

Mike Peters, RISE test dummy, thanks our sponsors!

Howdie everyone, it’s Mike, your trusty RISE test dummy.  We all say it often but I wanted to take a minute to send a special thanks out to our incredible sponsors, C&R Medical and LIFT-AIDS.  This summer has been jammed packed with nothing but fun thanks to their dedication and hard work.  Not only do they help make it financially possible for RISE to complete it’s mission by directly providing the funds that allows us buy equipment and all that good stuff but they also take time out of their personal lives to volunteer and provide care and support to many of our participants.  They go above and beyond their role as sponsors.

As you may know, I’ve been spending the long summer days enjoying myself out at Lake Grapevine. Soaking in the rays, playing in the water, racing across the lake on our really fast jet ski (the blue one), being pulled on a water ski and even taking a ride with Captain Rick on our sailboat.  Well I did what dummy’s do best and I broke a small bone in my shoulder and tore up some of those good parts requiring a small surgery.  Without fail our sponsors were there to provide me with everything I needed for a speedy recovery.  Not because they are our sponsors but because they care.  It’s rare to find people and company’s that do such things in this day and age.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Advanced Water Ski Clinic, Saturday, June 19th

Man-o-man we sure had a lot of fun thanks to the folks at Metroplex Adaptive Water Sports!  These guys are true professionals.  They provided a beautiful private lake with pristine waters and one incredible boat to pull skiers.  RISE volunteers gained valuable experience by doing that morning.  We learned the proper way to fit participants with the different sizes of baskets and water skis.  We learned the difference between the sizes of skis in relation to skill levels and participant functionality.  We learned new ways to hold the rope, where to hold the rope and where to position the knots.  We learned that we had been skiing with our basket backwards for the past few weeks. While not completely wrong, it’s much easier when the basket is facing such a way that your legs are brought together and your body is hunched forward.  Our volunteers learned new ways to position participants in the water.  We learned techniques for getting in and out of the basket while in the water.  We all earned one heck-of-a-tan!

RISE provided a BBQ lunch in the early afternoon from a local BBQ joint.  We sat in the shade, enjoyed new friends and traded ski stories.  The day was a huge success and I look forward to carrying over the knowledge learned into our own water ski program.

I want to thank Blaine and his crew of drivers and jumpers along with RISE volunteers Peter and David. You guys made the day fun and enjoyable with your patience and skill.  Thank you!

RISE Adventures Adaptive Water Sports Program is Profiled by 360 West Magazine

Read 360 West Magazine to see the article in the July issue.

Download the extracted pages in PDF format.

Star-Telegram Profiles “Texas Cup” Wheelchair Rugby Tournament

The Texas Cup  wheelchair rugby tournament was held at UTA on June 26th and 27th.  The TIRR Houston Texans won the tournament with a clean sweep.  Check out some photos taken by the Star Telegram.  Click here for PHOTOS or VIDEO MONTAGE.  We all would like to thank UTA for providing the gym, all of the volunteers that helped out, and our sponsors RISE Adventures and C n R Medical.

REACH Water Sports Picnic, Saturday, June 26, 2010- Recap

TEAM RISE Staff, Sponsors, and Volunteers,

From the bottom of my heart, I truly appreciate each and every one of you for your effort, presenting the REACH Water Sports Picnic. Your heartfelt compassion and unconditional support were truly inspiring. This was one of the best days of RISE Adventures short existence. I have written this many times and it seems so weak but, THANK YOU!! Read the rest of this entry »

RISE Adventures 2010 Summer Program Schedule.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A PRINTABLE VERSION OF THE RISE SUMMER PROGRAM FLYER Read the rest of this entry »

Important RISE Program Update on Making Reservations!

Due to the rapid growth of all programs RISE has instituted a new policy on accepting program reservations effective June 15, 2010. RISE owns our own equipment for every program and can accommodate any size group. The reason for the new policy is to have enough volunteers on hand to handle transfers and run the program. Our offices are closed Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays. Read the rest of this entry »

Volunteers Needed Now! Due to the rapid growth of all RISE Programs we have stretched our volunteers to the limit.

We instituted a new participant reservation policy this month to help our current volunteers and better manage new ones.  Groups, Clubs, and Individuals are all welcome. RISE operates 100% with volunteers and has no paid employees so could really use some great volunteers to help accomplish our very important mission.   CLICK HERE to download the volunteer opportunities or contact Paul Gray at (469) 762-5075!

RISE needs used Wheelchairs! We have a few adults that could sorely use a better everyday chair.

Insurance, Red Tape, and limited Financial Resources are holding some folks back from leading a quality life. If you have a second or older chair that is not in use please help someone in need. Your chair value would be a tax deductible donation to a charitable organization. We have verified the need and they will not end up on Ebay or at a Pawnshop. Please contact Paul Gray at pgray@riseadventures.org or (469) 762-5075.

“Sailing, It’s What I’ve Always Heard it Could Be.”

Now that we have our own boat, the Eziduzit, sailing has been on the RISE!  With the addition of a  Freedom 21’ sailboat, we’ve been able to accommodate many more RISE members.  You can feel safe in this boat with its 500 lb keel below, she can take a lot of wind and be just fine. (Tested this accidently when a storm came in, 50mph winds plus. It was a pucker moment for sure.)   On several days we’ve even taken members out in 20 mph winds and they had a blast.  We are working with the great folks down at Scott’s Landing to get our lift installed.  This will make it much easier to board those who need more than just a hand getting loaded. Also every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday we will be at Lakeview Park to pick up anyone who wants to come along. So if you’re there participating in a kayak, make sure and stay out of the way. If you’re on a jet ski, no need to spray water all over us!   Come sail with us and if you like and take over the tiller for a bit or sheet in the mainsail.    Rick Brauer, RISE Sailing Director.

Click Here to see more photos.