The annual Celebration of Heart gala brought together more than 400 Bay Area leaders in sports, technology, business, and philanthropy for an unforgettable evening of generosity, inspiration, and impact. Hosted on May 31 at the scenic Pier 27 in downtown San Francisco, the gala raised over $800,000 to support adaptive sports grants, camps, and clinics that help athletes with physical disabilities pursue their dreams and lead active, healthy lives. 

A Night to Remember at San Francisco’s Pier 27 

Against a backdrop of sweeping city and bay views, attendees gathered to celebrate resilience, inclusion, and the transformative power of sports. The theme, “Power of Dreams,” reflected the mission of empowering individuals with physical disabilities through access to adaptive equipment, specialized coaching, and supportive community programs. 

The heartfelt program was guided by event co-chairs Kristin Roth DeClark & Karl Peterson, Allison Caccoma & Alan Shanken, and Lotte Toftdahl & Ryan Goldman. Kristin Roth DeClark spoke about the importance of local impact, sharing that “the benefits of participating in sports are endless. Empowering individual lives through programs that provide adaptive equipment and year-round support is essential to building a stronger, more inclusive community.” 

Guests enjoyed a curated evening of dining, live entertainment, and dancing, while connecting with athletes and hearing first-hand how adaptive sports have changed their lives. 

Stories of Strength and Achievement 

The Celebration of Heart highlighted over 50 local adaptive athletes and their families, shining a spotlight on their journeys and accomplishments: 

• Garnett Silver-Hall – Born with arthrogryposis, Garnett began his adaptive sports journey at age 10 through sled hockey and wheelchair basketball. Throughout high school, he earned national titles in both sports and went on to win a World Championship title for WCMX (wheelchair motocross). Now a collegiate wheelchair basketball player at the University of Arizona, Garnett will soon become the first in his family to graduate college with a degree in Music. 

• Breezy Bochenek – A Northern California athlete and singer who turned a battle with childhood cancer into a story of resilience, competing in triathlons and inspiring others to overcome adversity through sport. 

• Mia Emory and Kelly Worrell – Paralympic hopefuls demonstrating elite performance in their respective sports while motivating younger athletes to push boundaries. 

• Samuel Nehemiah, Carlos Moleda, Lana Aronis, and Rudy Garcia Tolson – Accomplished athletes excelling in wheelchair basketball, paratriathlon, and endurance sports, each showing how adaptive equipment and mentorship can change lives. 

Throughout the evening, these athletes shared emotional stories of perseverance and triumph, offering attendees a powerful look at the life-changing impact of access to adaptive sports opportunities. 

Growing Impact Across Northern California 

The funds raised at this year’s Celebration of Heart are vital to meeting the growing demand for adaptive sports resources. With Northern California home to a large population of individuals living with permanent physical disabilities, there is a pressing need for specialized sports equipment, training, and community-based programs. 

CAF’s partnerships with organizations like the Golden State Warriors and the San Francisco Giants have expanded outreach significantly, enabling a wider range of adaptive sports clinics and youth mentorship opportunities. These collaborations also provide visibility for adaptive athletes, paving the way for greater inclusivity in mainstream sports. 

In the past year alone, CAF has awarded thousands of grants nationwide to help athletes obtain running prosthetics, sport wheelchairs, handcycles, and travel assistance for competitions. The funds raised from the gala will allow CAF to continue fueling this momentum, ensuring that more athletes in the Bay Area and beyond can break barriers and experience the transformative benefits of sport. 

The Power of Dreams 

The Celebration of Heart gala demonstrated how a community united by compassion and purpose can ignite change. From empowering a child to play their first adaptive sport to supporting a Paralympic hopeful on the world stage, every contribution makes a tangible difference. 

Attendees left inspired, having witnessed the strength, talent, and determination of athletes who refuse to be limited by physical disabilities. The evening was a reminder that dreams are possible with the right support, resources, and inclusive opportunities. 

Relive the Celebration 

Couldn’t make it to the gala or want to experience the magic again? Explore the full photo gallery from this unforgettable night and see the inspiring moments, heartfelt stories, and incredible community spirit that made Celebration of Heart a success.