Letter from the CEO

RISE is looking forward to taking the next step in providing a wide variety of therapeutic recreational programs in 2010. The organization turns three years old on March 22^nd. Our growth has been phenomenal with over 7,500 persons attending our programs including participants, volunteers, staff, and sponsors. Our numerous collaborative partners and volunteers have allowed us to work with a small operating budget where over 80% of funds are allocated to programs. Volunteers have contributed over 30,000 hours since inception.

I would like to announce our Corporate Title Sponsors have resigned for next year. Lift-Aids and C & R Medical have supported us for nearly three years. They are intimately involved in our programs, have permitted us to offer all programs free of charge, and have been instrumental in allowing us to build a solid infrastructure. Our goal is to add additional major corporate sponsors in the coming months as interest in supporting RISE continues to exceed expectations.

With growth come changes......

In an effort to more clearly define our goals, we have adopted a new mission statement: "To help persons with physical challenges gain independence and become productive citizens through therapeutic learning experiences”. We recognize that our programs are the tools, not the mission.

Measurable outcomes will be established through our research project, RISE Adventures Metrics (RAM).  RAM was developed by Dr. Abu Yilla, Professor of Kinesiology, University of Texas at Arlington and Chairperson of the RISE Board of Directors. Project RAM is designed to measure the level of physical fitness that is developed by participants at the recreational level.  Results will also show improvements in self-confidence, self-efficacy, self-concept and esteem, and overall mood states. In order to gather this necessary data, participants and volunteers will be asked to complete written questionnaires on a regular basis during their participation in RISE programs. A database for RAM was created earlier this year and is now operational and ready for data input as well as disseminating research outcomes.

Our 2010 therapeutic recreational programs include: quad rugby, sled hockey, swimming, sailing, scuba, water skiing, jet skiing, kayaking, fishing, camping, hunting, health & fitness, hand cycling, seasonal programs, corporate collaboration, golf, and photography. New recreational programs being considered are: soccer, goalball, basketball, tennis, lacrosse, and water polo. We provide specific programs for children and adults as well as integrating the participants by establishing role-model group activities for all ages and levels of physical ability.

RISE has scheduled over 550 activity dates for 2010. Ten major events include: “Inaugural Kickin’ off the Summer Bash”, ”End of Summer Bash VI”, seven water sports picnics, and a National USQRA Quad Rugby Tournament. An adaptive paddling workshop sponsored by Kayak Instruction, Inc. and the American Canoe Association will take place in February. Additional event ideas are being considered.

Fund raising events will include our First Annual Golf Tournament, exhibition rugby games, a large gala, and silent auctions. Numerous sponsor opportunities exist for the two Bashes, water sports picnics, golf tournament, gala, and other specific programs. To keep up with funding demands, we continue to explore diversified revenue streams.

The RISE strategic two to four year plan presents an opportunity to construct a National Disability Center in North Texas.  The “Scope of Project” includes premiere fitness, recreation, and education facilities for persons with physically disabling conditions.  In addition, it would house the RISE corporate offices and collaborative partner facilities.

All of this has been made possible by the overwhelming support of the RISE Board of Directors our numerous collaborative partners, tremendous volunteer program support, volunteer program managers, volunteer staff, our two title sponsors, numerous additional sponsors, and the foundations that have funded our ever-growing inventory of adaptive equipment.

RISE continues to seek new potential Board of Directors members and committee members that desire to be a part of something amazing and help accomplish our very important mission. I personally want to thank everyone involved with RISE that has believed in our mission and supports the opportunity to not only improve, but dramatically change the lives of those participating in our programs. Thank you from the bottom of my heart as we look forward to continuing this great ride into 2010!

Sincerely Yours, Paul Gray/CEO/RISE Adventures, Inc.