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!

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.

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.

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.

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 »

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.

RISE Golf is every Saturday 9am to 12pm

Reservations required by contacting Gary Pickle at gary@garypickle.com or 817-684-1128. This program is held at the North Texas Golf Center, located at 2101 Walnut Hill Lane, Dallas, Texas 75229. Take I-35 (Stemmons Expressway) to Walnut Hill Lane, exit and go west, at the end of Walnut Hill Lane. The RISE goal for this program is to make the game of golf easier for individuals with disabilities, prosthetic devices, back, hip or knee injuries. The key objectives of this RISE Golf Program are to encourage and promote every person with a permanent disability to play and enjoy golf. Playing golf  is a viable form of rehabilitation and recreation for the physically disabled. It brings together able and physically disabled golfers to share their love for the game.

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 »

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.

RISE Fishing has started for the summer

We took our first fishing trip of the year Saturday night 4-10.  I am pleased to say it was a great success.  Richard Queen and daughter Katie were fishing with us for the second time and on this trip Katie out fished her dad for the second time.  We fished for just a few hours and we caught 20 to 30 fish. That’s a pretty good haul for this early in the season. Hopefully it’s a sign of good things to come for RISE fishing this year. I look forward to more good days and nights on the lake and lots of fish in the boat.  All equipment, food, and drinks are furnished. To make reservations contact Andy Burton at andy-burton@hotmail.com or (214) 476.6048.  CLICK HERE to see more photos.

NEW PROGRAMS, Sign up Now! Jet Skiing and Advanced Water Skiing!!

Starting May 4, 2010 through August 31, 2010 every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 5 pm to dusk. RISE combined Water Skiing, Jet Skiing and Kayaking into one activity that takes place at Lake View Park on Lake Grapevine. To make reservations contact Annette Brauer atabrauer@riseadventures.org or 972-978-8903.

RISE Hand Cycling MOVES TO NEW TIME AND DATE.

Tons of you missed a great day of sunshine on the biking trail in Irving on Saturday, April 10^th! We had a blast biking around the trail watching individuals and families biking as well as ultimate frisbee competitions on the sports fields you pass by. I love this trail since you can challenge yourself individually for distance and hills if you choose to do so. There is one part of the trail for the easy ride, but I enjoyed the challenge ride and was thankful to take advantage of a beautiful day. Thanks to RISE Adventures, Lift Aids and C&R Medical for allowing this day to be possible! I highly recommend everyone taking advantage of this program that is held weekly!

Lea Stewart

Starting Sunday, May 9^th we move to every Sunday Morning from 9-12 am at the same location, Campion Trails 6030, Riverside Drive Irving, TX 75039.  What to Bring, You!  Friends or family are welcome to ride along side on their bikes. A jacket or sweater as needed. All other equipment is provided. Water too! These trails are one of our favorites. It’s centrally located and the park is well maintained. The paths are wide and the traffic is minimal. For reservations contact Annette Brauer at (972) 978.8903. abrauer@riseadventures.org.

RISE announces Jacque Stauffer as the new Chairperson of the RISE Board of Directors

Jacque Stauffer, Board Chairperson, earned her bachelor’s degree in Special Education and master’s degree in Kinesiology from Texas Woman’s University. While in college, she worked in the Denton Autism Program and taught Adapted Physical Education at Ann Windle School. After graduation, Jacque taught Adapted Physical Education for Little Elm ISD. Adapted PE is a program designed to meet the needs of students with disabilities who cannot fully participate in general physical education.   Jacque is now teaching Special Education in Lewisville ISD.  In addition to teaching, Jacque coaches competitive gymnastics and a special-needs cheer squad in Frisco, TX. She is currently serving as a logistics officer in the Air Force Reserve.

RISE Adventures Golf is Rockin!

Kevin Wright Enjoys His Independence.  Kevin and his mom, Denise, arrive at the North Texas Golf Center for their regular, weekly dose of RISE Golf.  It’s an inspiration to see his strength, balance, coordination, confidence and golf skills improve.  The picture speaks volumes.

RISE Golf Knows No Language Barriers.  Denise Wright has volunteered to make her language skills available to Spanish speaking RISE golfers.  Reaching out and eliminating barriers, the RISE Golf program continues to flourish.  Thank you Denise!

Paul Jerde Finds His Legs with the Single Rider Golf Cart.  Forget the wheel chair or trying to stand with someone balancing on a gait belt and someone else teeing the ball for him.  Once Paul was strapped into the single rider golf cart there was no slowing him down.  He teed his own ball, chose his own club, and paused for an occasional breather, unassisted and at his own pace.  He’s on his way to golfing independence.

Meet Andrew Jansy, Our Newest RISE Golfer.  We’re looking forward to seeing Andrew at our golf events.  Andrew didn’t make the group picture so we will show off his “mug shot” separately.  Nice finish Andrew!

RISE Golf meets weekly at the North Texas Golf Center.  RSVP is required.  Contact Gary Pickle, 817-684-1128 or gary@garypickle.com

CLICK HERE to see more golf photos.

Team RISE vs. Church Group

Murderball, huh?  No kidding!  I heard the sound of those chairs slamming against each other, and I thought there was no way they could get me out there, but it turned out to be one of the coolest sports I have ever played.  Took a while to get used to the chair and to be able to maneuver my way around the court, abut everyone was really patient, and by the end I felt like I sort of had the hang of it.  Fast-paced, intense, great work-out, fun people– it’s a winner!

Rachel McKneely

CLICK HERE to see more photos of the event.

TEAM RISE participated in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade held in Dallas on Saturday, March 13, 2010.

Dressed in green and RISE apparel, RISE Adventures participants pushed, pedaled, walked, and road on the float pulled by the magic bus down the road of the St. Patrick’s parade in Dallas.  The streets were packed with thousands of festive party goers and spectators on a beautiful Saturday morning.  Everyone was draped with colorful beads and bright smiles.  Team RISE quad rugby players bashed it up for the crowd and they would yell “do it again!” every time.  It was a blast, I couldn’t believe how enthusiastic the crowd was, we felt like rock stars!

The RISE Adventures bus pulled a float decorated and sponsored by Dallas Home Renovations while  RISE volunteers and participants threw candy, beads and t-shirts to the cheering crowd.  The 31st annual event on Greenville Avenue drew about 80,000, according to the Dallas Morning News. This was a great event and everyone had a blast, if you missed out be sure to attend next year.  CLICK HERE to see more photos of the parade.  CLICK HERE to see the blog on the Dallas Morning News.

RISE Board Member, Lea Stewart, featured in the February issue of ON Magazine.

RISE Board Member, Lea Stewart, featured in the February issue of ON Magazine.  CLICK HERE for the full story at ON Magazine.