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 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.

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 »

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.

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 »

“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.

RISE Fishing 6/5/2010, They Caught Everything!

We fished for the first time with Tyler Landrum and family. Tyler started things off by catching a drum shortly after we got to our first spot and the action stayed steady for the rest of the morning. I think by the end of the day the Landrum family had caught at least one of every kind of fish in Lake Ray Hubbard. With a total of seven different species of fish caught you never knew what they had on the end of their line. I personally have never seen such a wide variety of fish caught in one short fishing trip. Not only did the Landrum’s catch every kind of fish in the lake they also managed to put together a nice stringer of crappie and sand bass to take home for dinner.  We stayed out of the heat, we caught a lot of fish and everyone had a good time. That’s what I call a good day on the lake. If you want to go fishing you must make reservations by calling or emailing me at the following: 214-476-6048 andy-burton@hotmail.com. PS. If you are wondering here is the list of fish species caught that day; Drum, Sun Fish, Catfish, Crappie, White Bass, Yellow Bass, Large Mouth Bass.  CLICK HERE to see more photos of the fishing trip.

Main Street Days Grapevine, May 21-23rd, Fun in the Sun!

Special Thanks goes to Portable Events for providing the awesome stage presentation. Check out this awesome set up at www.portableevents.com and tell Michael RISE sent you. Thanks to our other sponsors for their participation all weekend long; City of Grapevine Parks and Recreation Department, C & R Medical Supplies, Lift-Aids, Pickles Custom Golf, and Adventure Scuba. RISE Staff and Volunteers endured the event demonstrating adaptive equipment and enjoying the festival.  CLICK HERE to see more photos of the event.

RISE Adventure’s Kayaking Gets Mentioned in The Star-Telegram

The Star-Telegram published a great article about beginner kayaking and how to get started.  They mention RISE Adventures in the article.  CLICK HERE to check it out.

RISE Children’s Camping Tons of Fun!

A great time was had by all!  It started off Friday night around the Camp Fire with the appearance of Mr. Dempsey (Santa-Claus) sharing stories, not to be out down by the S’Mores.

Saturday morning after a great campers breakfast it was off to the Rifle Range.  Each camper had an opportunity to fire the 22 Cal Rifle/Pistol and the 410/12 GA Shotgun.  We determined that the campers were even better than the Hunt Master (Clayton) himself, after noticing that the bulls eye was hit several times.

Saturday Afternoon was spent Go-Carting.  I could not determine based upon real life experiences, if more fun was had at the Rifle Range or the Go-Cart track?  Alex from Little Elm proved to herself that she could drive as long as the vehicle was modified with hand controls.

Sunday morning time was spent at the pond fishing, after being transported by a hayrack.  Fish were caught and once again a great time.

Cathy Smith and her kitchen staff need to be commended on the awsome meals that were prepared.  CLICK HERE to see more photos from the event.

Randy Smith

Rise Adventures Camp Sponsor & Host

ON Magazine Meet and Greet, Thursday, April 30, 2010

ON Magazine Meet and Greet, Thursday, April 30, 2010, was held at Mi Piaci. Paul Riddle, owner of Innovative Direct Media, publisher of the magazine hosted the party along with associates Jana Kirkeby and Kristi Wipperfurth. ON Magazine is a new sponsor of RISE Adventures and our very important mission. Paul Gray/RISE CEO and business associate Julie Saeger/RISE Fundraising, attended the event.  A good time was had by all as we met a lot of new people and shared ideas about furthering our relationship. Welcome aboard ON Magazine! To learn more about the magazine and for advertising information please click on this link.

RISE Adventures First Annual, “Kickin’ off the Summer Bash I” CEO Recap:

The RISE First Annual “Kickin’ off the Summer Bash I” held May 1, 2010 at Meadowmere Park on Lake Grapevine, was truly blessed! After weeks of concern on the lingering winter weather and the forecast of storms for the weekend, no storms or rain ever occurred. The event was held to get first timers acclimated to our programs, mission accomplished! All programs at the event were regular RISE weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly activities.  RISE owns our own equipment for each program and collaborative partners supply the rest.

Read the rest of this entry »

BIR Hand Cycle Clinic was a Huge Success!

I wanted to thank all those involved with helping facilitate and/or sponsor the handcycle clinic this past weekend! Please share this email with Peanut, Ty and our amazing sponsors. The food was great! The participants and family loved the social atmosphere and chance to explore a variety of handcyles. I have to say that is was a success and fun times had by all! We had 22 participants, 15 family members, and 19 volunteers with a total of 56 people. I couldn’t have done it without you all. Thank you, thank you!

-Lea

CLICK HERE to see more photos from the event.

RISE Kayaking Get’s Going for the Summer!

RISE Kayaking has started for the summer on the Trinity River, McInnish Park,  2340 Sandy Lake Road Carrollton, TX 75006.  Contact Annette Brauer at abrauer@riseadventures.org or (972) 978.8903.

Kevin is a paraplegic that had only kayaked in a swimming pool at a local event. He contacted RISE and wanted a real kayaking experience and the results are life changing. After just one activity he responded, “I just wanted to let you know that I had a great time the last two days of kayaking and would like to go ahead and register again for next Tues and Wed, weather permitting…”

CLICK HERE to see more photos from the event.

Southern Methodist University Track Team Raises Funds in their Change Drive!

The Women’s SMU track team held a change drive last fall and collected $722.  They chose RISE Adventures to be their favorite no-profit organization and donated us the money.  Two members, Lauren Kuhner and Kylie Spurgeon, of  the Women’s SMU track team presented the check on Friday night at RISE Adventure’s quad rugby game.   Kylie and Lauren volunteered helping out with the rugby equipment and even played in a few games.  Those track team ladies were fast.  RISE Adventures would like to thank the Women’s SMU track team for their donation.  CLICK HERE for more photos from the event.