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A Celebration of Heroes, Heart & Hope

  • 800 Attendees, $1.4M Raised

  • Versus commentator Craig Hummer, CAF Co-founder Bob Babbitt, and Ironman World Champion Chris McCormack

  • Versus commentator Craig Hummer, Honoree Martin E. Franklin, Gala Chairman Scott Stackman, and CAF Co-founder Bob Babbitt

  • CAF Co-founder Bob Babbitt, Versus commentator Craig Hummer, New York Giants Wide Receiver Amani Toomer, Lt. Col. Greg Gadson, and Operation Rebound athletes Melissa Stockwell, Sam Cila, and P.J. Glavey

The Event

A Celebration of Heroes, Heart and Hope is an annual gala dinner held at the regal and historic Waldorf=Astoria in New York City to raise funds for and awareness of physically challenged athletes. This first-class event features inspiring presentations, celebrity guests and the opportunity to connect with challenged athletes. A Celebration of Heroes, Heart and Hope is an unforgettable evening for a great cause.

Reputation

What it is not, is your typical gala event — it's been said to be one of the most inspirational and motivational events that participants have ever attended in New York City. The challenged athlete stories are moving and their beautiful presentation helps us understand the important life lessons that can only be learned by overcoming obstacles.

Event Features

  • Live auction featuring unique travel adventures and once in a lifetime experiences at sporting events such as the World Series and Tour de France.
  • Chance to bid on and win a coveted spot in the Ford Ironman World Championship held annually in Kona, HI.
  • An exquisite culinary journey in one of the most legendary settings: New York City’s Waldorf=Astoria Grand Ballroom.
  • Inspirational video presentations created by Emmy award winning producers.
  • Opportunity to rub shoulders with local celebrities, professional athletes and sports legends from the world of triathlon, basketball, baseball and more.
  • Chance to change lives by raising your paddle in the live auction to fund adaptive sports equipment which directly benefits challenged athletes.

Event Blog

Many thanks for the great evening. I had a wonderful time and it was fantastic to see all the CAF legends and to listen to the heart warming stories.

— Dave Scott, six-time Ironman World Champion