February – March Programs

This February and March RISE Adventures has plenty of programs available for everyone:  RISE Golf, RISE Hand Cycling, RISE Fishing, RISE Sailing, RISE Rugby,and RISE Sled Hockey.   Take a look at the RISE Adventures Calendar for dates and times.  Check with your program directors if the weather is questionable.  Read on for more information on all of these programs.

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Numerous levels of EVENT Sponsorships are available for Corporations and Collaborative Partners!

Support the RISE mission. Benefits to corporations that participate in corporate sponsorship opportunities are plentiful. The company will gain brand recognition, additional advertising opportunities, and have the option of having the company logo appear on advertising materials. The company also has the benefit of being perceived as an organization that gives back to the community. Likewise, customers of the organization will benefit from the knowledge that they have contributed to a good cause or helped support a local event by supporting the company sponsoring the event or team.

Info Available
Summer Bash Sponsor Brochure

Water sports sponsor brochure

Lone Star Paralyzed Veterans of America Donates Disability Bus to RISE

Our great friends at the LSPVA donated their bus to RISE Adventures this week. Chris Goad heads the Texas Thunder Event Committee and was desperately looking for accessible transportation with a lift. His task was to be able to transport quad rugby teams flying in from numerous other states to and from the airport and the tournament. He reached a lot of dead ends but was finally blessed. He sought to borrow the PVA bus for the weekend. They really didn’t use the vehicle as much as they would have liked so made a donation to RISE so we could transport groups to and from our programs. From everyone at TEAM RISE, thanks to all of you at the Lone Star Paralyzed Veterans Association for supporting RISE and our very important mission. Special thanks goes to Glendon Bentley and Eric Payton, you guys are the best, THANK YOU!

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……

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Lift-Aids and C & R Medical Remain the RISE Corporate Title Sponsor’s for 2010

I am very proud to announce that our two title sponsor have resigned for 2010. For two years these sponsors have been intimately involved in our programs, supported our infrastructure, and provided funding so allow RISE to not charge a fee for any of our programs. Please call these sponsors and support our mission by purchasing your urological needs from C & R Medical and your mobility vehicle needs from Lift-Aids. They are both first class companies that provide excellent service and in turn take their profits and support the RISE mission.

CLICK HERE to see the C & R Medical ad.

CLICK HERE to see the Lift-Aids ad.

RISE is proud to announce our 2010 Program Schedule

A large group of volunteers and committee board members were instrumental in preparing this complex document.  We scheduled over 500 programs dates and will be adding more as we continue to seek collaborative partners and locations for additional programs and events.  You can view this broad spectrum of programs and dates by clicking on this link.  Sign up now!

RISE First Annual Gala a Huge Success!

I want to personally thank each and every one of you that attended the November 14^th event held at Dave and Busters. The evening started off with a Social Hour listening to McKenzie Seaux performing live on stage. McKenzie just turned 12 years old and entertained with stories on her song writing skills followed by a great rendition of her music by this very talented young lady. The Matekis followed with an assortment of country and folk music that kept the crowd entertained throughout the evening. These artists believe in the RISE mission and also performed at our sixth annual End of Summer Bash back in September. Mike Peters Video Presentation of this year’s program pictures was a nice backdrop to the live entertainment. The Mexican buffet line was always busy. The pool and shuffle board tables stayed active as the player’s competitive energy and enthusiasm showed. The camaraderie between attendees exemplified the evening.

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RISE Quad Rugby Keeps Growing (New Video)

The RISE Adventures Quad Rugby program is getting bigger and better.  There are new players showing up every week.  This week we had 18 players.   The competition is getting fierce!  Five of our consistent players now have their own chairs and RISE Adventures provides 13 more chairs!  So come on out and bash it up with us!   No reservations are required for this weekly program.  We play every Friday from 6 pm till 9 pm at the Georgia Farrow Recreation Center.

Georgia Farrow Recreation Center
530 Davis Dr
Irving, TX 75061    click here for map.

Click here for more photos

RISE Adventure’s Hunting Season Starts Soon

Hunting has a new Program Manager, Todd Harvey, who took the place of the late Steve Carlson. Click this link for adult and children’s hunts. A Free adult and/or children’s hunt is available through the Corps. of Engineers December 4th and 5th. The actual hunt is Saturday. Friday is an orientation and rifle sighting in. This is mandatory and starts at 1:00 pm. They provide supper that evening. Anyone who gets drawn can bring someone with them, but all hunters will be with a guide. There is an application process and the participant must be wheelchair bound. The deadline for the drawing is November 2nd, at 2:00 pm. All participants must have what the State requires for their respective ages (license, hunter safety, etc.) Click on this link for the application than can be faxed to 979.596.1493. There are still available spots so get your application in immediately. Todd is also scheduling some children’s hunts so please get your name on the list by contacting Paul Gray at pgray@riseadventures.org.

Hand Cycling Continues to Roll for the Month of October.

Kathi Eteaki was our newest rider Saturday. She came to the EOSB V and tried the hand cycles and got hooked. She rode for about an hour and even got to enjoy being part of the Ghandi Peace Walk which was being held at the same time.

We ride every Saturday from 9am until NOON at Campions Trail in Irving. Anyone interested in hand cycling should make reservations and come on out for a good time.

Contact me at bear-tech@msn.com or 817.637.4518.
Ty “Bear” Johnson.

RISE End of Summer Bash V Smashes Attendance Record!

This year’s attendance more than doubled last years with 918 total persons in attendance; Disabilities 237, Family Members 344, Volunteers  220, and Vendors/Sponsors 117.  Thanks to everyone that attended and supported this year’s event. We would like to ask everyone to send us your stories, pictures, and comments about the event. We are also open to any constructive criticism to make improvements. Send pictures to slarimore@riseadventures.org.  Comments can be made online click here. To view the pictures already posted click here.

RISE Discover Scuba August 29, 2009

This program is for disabled persons over the age of 10 to experience the freedom the water gives all levels of physical disabilities. All equipment and professional instruction is provided in collaboration with Adventure Scuba. We still need experienced divers that want to help with this program to take the Adaptive Buddy Class. Like all RISE Programs everything is FREE, Adventure Scuba, Dive Buddies, and Diver Certification. The Program is held at the North Lake College Aquatic Center, 5001 North Mac Arthur Blvd., Irving, 75038

Contact Paul Gray at pgray@riseadventures.org or 469-762-5075 and sign up now.

This is the only RISE Program that a Medical Release is required.

Documents You Need:
Doctor’s Release Required – (Fax to 469.442.1381)
Introduction to Adaptive Scuba

CLICK HERE to see more photos of the event.

In Loving Memory Steve Carlson (1961-2009)

Today our hearts are filled with deep sadness and loss; Steve Carlson has passed. He was 48 years old. Steve lived for you, me and everyone recovering from a traumatic injury. He logged countless hours as a volunteer, spokesman and leader for the disability community. Steve had been with TEAM RISE since our first day as an organization. He immediately filled the role of Outreach Director in which he visited hospitals, therapeutic centers and a lot of homes encouraging those who were newly injured to get out of their beds and out their front doors and enjoy life! He also helped develop some of the first RISE programs such as hunting and fishing for children and most recently our weekly hand cycle program. Steve was a tremendous person who touched so many lives throughout his years here with us.

His legacy will carry on! We will continue to move forward in his honor by showing others that life doesn’t end with a traumatic injury. You can move on, you can cycle, you can camp, you can fish, you can live!

Steve’s funeral was Thursday, August 13, 2009.

If you would like to add a comment regarding the loss of Steve Carlson please CLICK HERE.  We would like to send them to his family.

TEAM RISE dedication video put together by Chris Goad.

RISE Children’s Camping

I would like to say THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!! We attended the first, ever, Camp Rise Adventure. And what an adventure it was!!! My daughter had an awesome time.

Friday, she ate and played until I was worn out.

Saturday, we were awakened to the wonderful smell of breakfast. After that, off to the shooting range. She shot a gun for the first time. And, she hit her target in archery. She swam like a fish that evening in the pool. She would have stayed there all night, if I had allowed her to. Then……SMORES!!! You heard me, smores. They were yummy. It was her first time ever trying them.

Sunday morning, she showed the boys how to fish. She is a fishing queen.

She experienced a lot of firsts, which included shooting, archery, sling-shot, smores, sleeping in a tent. She also met some new friends.

To all of the people who helped make this camping trip a success, many thanks. You have left a memory in my family’s life, which will never be forgotten. We had an amazing experience. She asked on the way home, when are we going camping AGAIN. Thanks for making a difference in a young girl’s life, and showing her that she may have physical challenges, but she can do anything!!!

RISE Horse Back Riding is collaborating with White Bridle Humane Society.

RISE Horse Back Riding is collaborating with White Bridle Humane Society to build an ongoing therapeutic program. White Bridle Humane Society is embarking on an equine recreation program with their miniature horses.  We believe that the scale of the horses is right for kids, and their program pair’s volunteer kids with challenged kids and miniature horses to complete obstacle courses. Cart driving with the minis will also be offered for kids with mobility limitations. Adult programs are also in the works. We have the horses and equipment but need grazing land and folks to get involved to help build this program. If you are interested in helping or joining the committee to help get this program set up please contact Paul Gray at pgray@riseadventures.org or 469.762.5075.

RISE Advocacy had a very busy June!

RISE Advocacy spoke with DARS, North Dallas Rotary Club, TOTA, Therapy 2000, Baylor SCI, and REACH last month. This month’s presentation is for the Veteran’s Administration, if you would like a speaker to attend your function to advocate for disabilities and RISE Programs contact Stephanie Bowerman at sbowerman@riseadventures.org.

RISE Photography outing at the Dallas Arboretum

RISE Photography sponsored a Photography outing at the Dallas Arboretum on Saturday June 20^th.The event was free to participants and their companions thanks to Dallas Arboretum. People participating had fun taking pictures, enjoying the flora, making friends and grabbing a bite to eat at the end of the day.

You may ask your self is this place accessible? Yes. If you know anything about Stephanie Bowerman and Paul Gray, they do their homework. Yes there are some paths with steps, but there is always a winding paved trail that leads to the same place. Then you have people like Steve Carlson who decided to wheelie his chair down a stepped pathway. He is still here to talk about it.

The Photography outing was actually scheduled about two months earlier but had been rained out. The temperature on the day of the shoot was in the mid 90’s with not much of breeze. Despite that, people who went had a good time and have pictures to prove it.

The next photo shoot will be held sometime in October for the fall flower displays, keep an eye open for it in upcoming emails. The temps will be little warm so bring a cold water bottle. Other supplies to bring if you are heading out to the Dallas Arboretum whether with the RISE group or on your own include: extra batteries or film, a small tripod, hat, some snacks and comfortable shoes.

Scott Golem

Photographer volunteers with RISE

CLICK HERE for more photos of the event

RISE Adventures Sailing on Lake Lewisville

What a great way to begin your Sunday morning, with RISE Sailing.  We all put our sunscreen on, got out the lifejackets, and set sail from Pier 121 at 8am! We were back by 10:30am, just in time before the heat kicked in!  Captain Don brought his son who helped with the sailing and a total of seven were on the boat having a great time! The wind was perfect going out, so we were moving pretty fast! At times it was absolutely peaceful, and relaxing while other times were filled with fun waves and splashing water. Captain Don taught everyone the basics of sailing and Caleb and Jacob were great helpers with pulling the ropes. Everyone moved around the boat sitting in different spots. The favorite spot was the front of the boat, where you could sit and hang your legs off the boat getting splashed from all the waves. Overall everyone had a great time on the boat and we can’t wait until the next time. Check out the pictures of our Sunday morning fun!

We still have many dates this summer for RISE Adventure sailing. Check out the calendar and if you are interested please contact the program director, Stephanie Bowerman, sbowerman@riseadventures.org

CLICK HERE to see more photos of this event.

Team RISE Quad Rugby Newest Player

RISE quad rugby has been growing leaps and bounds this past several months.  One of our newest players is an 18 year old man from Benbrook, Texas. Justin Miller’s first experience with RISE was with this program.  Here’s what Justin had to say:

“I heard about quad rugby over the internet and I first started playing sometime in May. I was encouraged to play rugby by watching the movie “Murderball” with Mark Zupan. He has been my idol since I was 4. I like playing rugby because I like the rough competition and playing with my friends. Also I like contact sports, which makes rugby all the better. Since I can’t play football, quad rugby is the next best thing. When I first started playing I kind of stunk, but now I am getting better and better as I practice. I plan on playing Murderball all the way through collage, even though I don’t know which collage I’m going to yet.”

Justin Miller

RISE Seasonal has scheduled two Halloween Parties!

Saturday October 10th and 31st! More information and reservations will be available September 1st! MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW FOR AN ACCESSIBLE TRICK OR TREAT EXPERIENCE!