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 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 End of Summer Bash V is Saturday, September 26th from 9am–3pm Meadowmere Park, Grapevine, Texas. “Preregistration Ended… Even if you didn’t preregister all participants are allowed entry free of charge.”

This 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, Jet Skis, Sailing, Kayaking, Swimming, Fishing,Disability Golf, Camping, Horseback Riding, Hand Cycling, Quad Rugby, Sled Hockey, Disc Golf, Basketball, Archery, Climbing Wall, Face Painting, Remote Control Sailboats, Children’s Playground, Petting Zoo, Wood Carving, WW II Amphibious Boat Rides, Silent Auction and much more…

CLICK HERE for a list of all the ESOB activities.

Free food and drinks under the 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.

Visit these Sponsor Booths: Texas Department of Rehabilitative Services, Easter Seals, REACH, Canine Companions, Spina Bifida Association of North Texas and Lone Star Paralyzed Veterans of America.

We appreciate the support of: Tom Wishon Golf, Enable, Adventure Scuba, White Bridal Horse Therapy, Pickles Custom Golf, Saildallas.com, Metroplex Adaptive Water Sports, Dallas Home Renovations, John Horn’s Woodturning, Awards to Go, Duck Riders, Infinity Air, CIB Group, Backwoods, North Texas Kids, Cross Timbers Winery, Sportsmen’s Club of Fort Worth and Les Yacht Club.

CLICK HERE for map.

RISE Airplane Rides, Saturday, October 10, 2009, Dallas Love Field Airport, 9am–1pm. SIGN UP NOW!

RISE is collaborating with Challenge Air to provide FREE 30 minute airplane rides. Any child or youth living with a physical disability or life-threatening illness may pre-register for the program by clicking here. Each disability can also take two friends or family on the flight. Make sure you tell them RISE sent you! Reservations are required online at challengeair.com. Here is a list of qualifying examples: Spinal Cord Injury, Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, Multiple Sclerosis, Down Syndrome, Spina Bifida, Autism, Cancer, Leukemia, Sight/Hearing Impaired, and others.

To register go to www.challengeair.org or Paul Gray at pgray@riseadventures.org.

RISE is on Television, again!

Irving Community Television (ICTN) covered TEAM RISE versus the Dallas Harlequins able bodied rugby game. Parkscape is shown on local cable. This is great video

Main Street Days in Grapevine was lots of fun despite the weather

RISE had a great booth and signed up numerous physically challenged persons that now participate in programs. Thanks to RISE Title Sponsors, Connie Stauffer/Lift-Aids and Randy Smith/C&R Medical, Gary Pickle/RISE Golf Director, Rick Brauer/RISE Sailing Director, and Joel “Peanut” Hendrix, RISE Equipment Manager. A Special Thanks goes out to our great friends at the City of Grapevine Parks Department, Chris and Randy!

»» Click here for more pictures!

Rescheduled Events Due to Rain!

Baylor Institute for Rehabilitation Hand Cycle Clinic – We are excited to announce that we are able to reschedule the hand cycle clinic on Saturday, May 30th from 9:00-noon at Campion Trails (6030 Riverside Dr., Irving, TX 75039). Please note the change of time and location due to rescheduling. This trail is located next to a small river path that is canopied by trees! Beautiful I must say! We will have hot dogs and hamburgers for free to celebrate the event! A variety of bikes will be provided to explore on this pathway. If you are interested in joining us, please contact Lea Stewart for further details of meeting location at leas@baylorhealth.edu or 214-820-9578. We hope to see you all there … Leah Stewart

»» Click here for Event Map

RISE Discover Scuba, Saturday, May 30th, right after the Baylor Hand Cycle Clinic about a half mile away at Northlake College, from 12-4. It is not too late to sign up, please contact Paul Gray at pgray@riseadventures.org or 469.762.5075.

RISE Children’s Camping Inaugural Date is now Friday, May 29-30th. The first one is filled up but many more dates are available.

RISE Airplane Rides/Challenge Air, McKinney Event is now Saturday, July 6th.

All other RISE Programs are still on schedule so check the calendar and sign up now!

ESOB 5 Activities

ESOB 5 Activities

1- Event Registration and Information

All persons entering the event site must register and receive an arm band. This is also the information as well as lost and found booth.

2- Medical Station provided by the City of Grapevine

If you need medical assistance request it from a RISE Staff Member.

3- Animated Party Animal Balloons

See these awesome balloons provided by Infinity Air Promotions.

4- Texas Department of Assisted Living and Rehabilitative Services (DARS)

Visit with their staff and pick up information about the services they provide.

5- RISE Golf Program by Gary Pickle

Participate in the RISE disability golf cart with our professional disability golf instructor.

6- Disc Golf by Randy Mecca

Test your skills at Frisbee Golf.

7- RISE Petting Zoo

Pet the animals or just enjoy watching.

8- Camp RISE Adventures Program

See all of the great activities available at our newly built camp.

9- RISE Archery Program

Test your archery skills.

10- RISE Air Rifles Program

Hit the target.

11- Backwoods Outdoor Recreation Stores

See specialty camping equipment and visit with the professionals.

12- Remote Control Sailboats by Les Lacs Yacht Club

Participate in this fun sport.

13- RISE Fishing Program

Get a fishing pole and test your skills.

14- RISE Kayaking Program

Learn to kayak and test your skills in this fun program.

15- RISE Sailing Program by saildallas.com

Take a ride and receive instructions with Captain Matt Meadows.

16- Face Painting

Get your face painted and join in the fun!

17- Children’s Playground

Have fun with the kids.

18- RISE Hand Cycling Program

Experience an array of quality disability hand cycles.

19- How to Roll the White Rock Marathon

See the latest disability marathon cycles and get involved.

20- RISE Scuba Program

Experience what Adventure Scuba has to offer in this portable pool.

21- Canine Companions

See these incredible dogs and how they can help a disabled person.

22- Lone Star Paralyzed Veterans Association

Support our Veterans and enjoy the music of DJ Cool.

23- RISE Photography Program

Receive expert advice on taking great pictures.

24- CIB Group

Commercial Debt Recovery Services for your business bad debt.

25- Southwest Securities

Information for all of your banking needs.

26- Classic Chevrolet of Grapevine

See the 2010 Chevrolet line up throughout the event site.

27- RISE Water Ski Program

Participate in this activity provided by MAWS.

28- RISE Jet Ski Program

Take a thrilling ride on a jet ski.

29- Rock Climbing

Test your skills and climb the rock.

30- RISE Silent Auction

Help RISE raise funds by purchasing certified sports memorabilia.

31- John Horn Woodturning

Receive your own original wood spinning top made right before your eyes.

32- C & R Medical Supplies

Visit this RISE Title Sponsor for all of your urological supplies.

33- Lift-Aids Mobility Vehicles

Visit this RISE Title Sponsor to see the latest in mobility vehicles.

34- AMBUCS Chuck Wagon

Free Burgers and Dogs donated by Grapevine AMBUCS.

35- AMBUCS Hospitality Tent

Tables and chairs in the shade to enjoy lunch.

36- C & R Medical and Lift-Aids Music Stage

See live performances by JB Clark and others under the big tent.

37- Oak Lawn Symphonic Orchestra

Live Performance from 11:00–11:45 featuring 25 musicians.

38- RISE Therapeutic Horse Program

White Bridal brings out the mini horses and carts for a fun experience.

39- RISE Quad Rugby Program

Participate and instruction on this weekly RISE Program.

40- RISE Basketball

Shoot some hoops.

41- RISE Sled Hockey Program

Test the equipment and learn about this sport.

42- The Amazing Quilter

Visit Diane Rose who it totally sight impaired and her quilts.

43- Neuro Fitness Foundation

Learn about this disability fitness center.

44- Spina Bifida Association of North Texas

Learn more about this disability support organization.

45- Easter Seals

Learn more about this disability support organization.

46- REACH- Dallas, Denton, Fort Worth

Learn more about how they can help with your disability needs.

47- National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Learn more about this disease and how you can help.

48- Maxim Healthcare

Get information; specializing in medical staffing, nurse employment, homecare, clinical staffing and wellness services.

49- Enable

PepsiCo Volunteer Station

50- Grapevine First Responders

Check out the equipment and fire trucks.

Want something to do this weekend, May 15-17th?

RISE Quad Rugby Friday Night, RISE Children’s Camp Friday-Sunday, visit the RISE Adventures booth at the Grapevine Main Street Days Festival Friday-Sunday, RISE collaborates with Baylor SCI Hand Cycle Clinic Saturday, RISE Airplane Rides in conjunction with Challenge Air Saturday, Sled Hockey Saturday, RISE Golf Sunday, RISE Hand Cycling Sunday, or RISE Kayaking Sunday.

Yes we are busy so get out of the house and have a great time at our numerous activities this weekend!

Sign up NOW for these RISE Programs; Golf, Kayaking, Fishing, Camping, Kayaking, Scuba, Photography, Airplane Rides, and Hand Cycling. Quad Rugby and Sled Hockey to not require reservations. Next month RISE will introduce dates for Therapeutic Horse Back Riding and Water Skiing. Additional Programs will start in July.

Spotlight on RISE Collaboration with the Scottish Rite Hospital (SRH)

RISE was very busy with our great friends at SRH this past month. RISE attended PALS meetings, the SRH Bike Rodeo and Child Safety Day, Scottish Rite to Play in conjunction with Get Kidz Fit 2009 at the Dallas Fair Park Centennial Building, and SRH Rite 2 Play.

Paralympic Coach James Gumbert Rugby Clinic huge success

Paralympics Gold Medal Coach and Commissioner of the United States Quad Rugby Association, James Gumbert, held a two day rugby clinic thanks to the support of Doug Garner, Disability Sports Director, University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) on May 9-10^th, 2009.  UTA hosted the two day event. The clinic instructed rookie, experienced players, TEAM USA Players, as well as local college students on the intricacies  and skills needed to play the game of quad rugby. There were over 20 participants that left knowing they had learned from the best. Special thanks to James Gumbert, Doug Garner, C & R Medical, and LIFT-Aids for making this all possible. RISE is honored to be associated with these great folks that truly care about bringing disability sports and the learning experience to the Metroplex.

»» More Quad Rugby Clinic Pictures

RISE Collaboration/Third Annual Baylor Institute for Rehabilitation (BIR) Hand Cycle Clinic

RISE is collaborating with Baylor Institute for Rehabilitation (BIR) Hand Cycle Clinic, Saturday, May 16^th, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm, Bishop Lynch High School, contact Lea Stewart and let her know you are coming, (214) 820-9578 or LeaS@BaylorHealth.edu.

Event Flyer (pdf)
Event Map (pdf)

Team USA Quad Rugby Clinic

May 9th & 10th- Paralympic Coach and new commissioner of the United States Quad Rugby Association, James Gumbert, better known as Coach Gumbie, is holding a two day Quad Rugby Clinic at The University of Texas at Arlington UTA Physical Education Building, Greek Row and Nedderman, 801 W. Greek Row, Arlington, TX 76019-0260. This two day activity is only for quadriplegics to learn and play the game of rugby.

Space and equipment are limited so make your reservations now by contacting Paul Gray at pgray@riseadventures.org of 469-762.5075.

Schedule
Saturday
9am – 12pm Gym
12pm – 2pm Lunch and Classroom
2:30 – 5pm Games

Sunday
10am – 3pm Exhibition games and Texas vs Dallas
3pm Home

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Scottish Rite to Play in conjunction with Get Kidz Fit 2009

Event is this Saturday, April 25th, at the Dallas Fair Park Centennial Building from 1:00-4:00pm, admission is free. RISE Adventures will have a display of equipment as well as information about our kids programs. Gary Pickle will be demonstrating disability golf.

Click here for event flyer.

RISE Fishing with Andy & Addison Children’s Fish Derby

Contact Steve Carlson @ scarlson@riseadventures.org or 214.808.1065 to make reservations for the numerous pontoon fishing dates on Lake Ray Hubbard.

The Addison Fish Derby for Children
Date: Saturday, May 9, 2009 – 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
All youth welcome. Behany Lakes Park, Addison, Texas.

Here fishy, fishy! The entire family will enjoy this event. Prizes will be given for the largest fish caught per age group and the largest fish caught overall. Enjoy one of America’s favorite pastimes, and give your child the opportunity to have a fish story that they can tell for years to come.

TEAM RISE versus Dallas Harlequins Recap

Friday Evening, April 10th the TEAM RISE Quad Rugby team soundly defeated the Dallas Harlequins Able Bodied USA Rugby Team before a packed gym of enthusiastic fans! The score wasn’t the story on this fun night. Both team’s player’s competitiveness and camaraderie was a true reflection of the evening.

TEAM RISE salutes the Dallas Harlequins as a truly nice bunch of very talented tough guys. Their fans showed up in force. Our hats are off to TEAM RISE Quad Rugby for putting on a show that will be remembered for a very long time. Are hats are also off to the Dallas Harlequins, a great organization that RISE will continue to work with on many endeavors. This was the first annual event and the tradition is just getting started. Irving Community Television Network filmed the event and will show on local cable in May.

Click here for more event pictures!

RISE Golf/Hand Cycle Picnic Recap

Saturday afternoon, April 11th was the third attempt to hold this event due to bad weather. The day started off cold and cloudy but the afternoon turned out nice. Attendance was down to what folks thought was going to be a bad weather day again but those in attendance had a great time. This was the last activity for Gary Pickle/RISE Golf Director at Campion Trails. The program now moves to the North Texas Golf Center.

Steve Carlson/RISE Handcycle Director had fun with a family driving up from Austin to attend all RISE events over the weekend. Others in attendance rode through this awesome park as this program continues at the same location every weekend. The RISE Children’s Camp opens May 15th and RISE had the new Freedom Tents on site to test. A large group gathered as Mike Peters and Steve Carlson, both paraplegics, attempted to set the tent up specially designed for wheelchairs. “Guys don’t read instructions” is not a myth. After a few attempts they were joined by Jonathan Merchant, a quadriplegic, and finally a paraplegic mother and all went well.

Joel “Peanut” Hendrix cooked burgers and dogs and the grill was the place to be to keep warm.

Dallas Sled Hawks Sled Hockey Tournament Recap

Friday came as most Fridays do, excited that it was the end of the work week. Out of the office and into a new adventure. As a member of RISE, I participate in many of our programs. Sledge (Sled in the US) Hockey is just one of them. It’s geared for community play where anyone can get on the ice and try it out. For some it’s a new experience allowing them to move with great speed. For others it may be a return to the ice. Instead of skating on your feet you’re strapped into a sled with blades beneath you. James Dunham is the RISE Sled Hockey Program Director. He also leads the Dallas Sled Hawks and works with other teams around the state for league play. He has also played in the Paralympics helping to bring a Gold home for the US team! Read the rest of this entry »

Spina-Bifida Easter Egg Picnic a Huge Success

The Spina-Bifida Association of Texas Easter Egg Hunt was held Saturday, April 4th at the Scottish RITE Hospital. RISE sponsored the event this year. A lot of fun was had by all! A special thanks goes to our title sponsors, C & R Medical and Lift-Aids, Wendy Harvey/SBANT, PepsiCo/Frito-Lay EnABLE Volunteers, and the RISE staff for making this a special day for the kiddos…

Click here to look at more pictures!

SBANT Bowl-A-Thon

SBANT Bowl-A-Thon Fundraiser is April 11th. Please join TEAM RISE and sponsor a bowling team for our good friends at the Spina-Bifida Association of North Texas.

If you have any questions, please contact Jana Hardwick at (214) 395-1812 or janah214@yahoo.com.