On Wednesday, June 9, 2021, the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) will bring its most inspiring night of the year directly into homes across the country with the Celebration of Heroes, Heart and Hope Gala at Home. 

Hosted by Dylan Dreyer from NBC’s Today Show, the evening will combine a unique at-home culinary experience with moving stories of resilience, inclusion, and the life-changing power of sport. Funds raised will support CAF’s mission to provide opportunities and resources so that athletes with physical disabilities can pursue active lifestyles through sports and fitness. 

A Night to Inspire and Unite 

The program begins at 6:30 p.m. with an exclusive interactive cocktail and cooking segment led by Montana-based CAF athlete and professional chef Eduardo Garcia, known around the world as the “Bionic Chef.” After losing his left arm in a 2011 hunting accident, Garcia rebuilt his culinary career using a prosthetic arm and became an outspoken advocate for living life to its fullest potential. 

At 7:15 p.m., Dylan Dreyer will guide guests through a program of athlete stories, grant highlights, and moments of triumph—including how CAF athletes have adapted and thrived during the challenges of the pandemic. The evening will spotlight youth and high school athletes whose determination and passion have inspired communities nationwide. 

Athlete Spotlights 

The gala will feature emotional, first-hand accounts from athletes whose CAF grants have transformed their lives: 

• Selah Gilbert (Age 9) – Born in China and adopted into a U.S. family at age three, Selah is a below-knee amputee with upper limb differences, cleft lip, and palate. Her recent CAF grant, paired with mentorship from Paralympic snowboarder Amy Purdy, will help her run, snowboard, and learn Kung Fu with a new Össur running prosthetic. 

• Landis Sims (Age 15) – A quadruple amputee and lifelong baseball player from Indiana, Landis recently made his high school baseball team, fulfilling a childhood dream. A CAF grant for Össur running prosthetics, in partnership with MLB Network, now helps him compete at the highest level of his sport. 

Why This Night Matters 

Through CAF’s 2021 grant distribution, athletes in 49 states, Puerto Rico, and 52 countries received grants totaling $5.1 million for adaptive sports equipment, training, and competition expenses. Without this support, many would be unable to participate due to limited insurance coverage and the high cost of specialized gear. 

For over 27 years, CAF has raised more than $134 million and fulfilled over 35,000 grants, impacting lives through the transformative power of sport. Each grant represents not just equipment or travel funding, but a pathway to independence, community, and personal growth. 

“We are thrilled to showcase the triumphs, accomplishments, and passion of the CAF community,” said Scott Stackman, gala founder, committee chairman, and CAF board member. “It’s time for us to make a comeback and take our emotions and compassion for humanity to lift each other up.” 

How to Be Part of the Experience 

Tickets are still available to join this empowering night of sport, which includes: 

• An exclusive culinary and cocktail experience with Eduardo Garcia 

• Inspiring stories of athlete resilience from across the country 

• Opportunities to contribute directly to funding CAF grants for the next generation of athletes with physical disabilities 

Guests will also enjoy the chance to connect virtually with the CAF community, share the experience with friends and family, and make an immediate impact on the lives of athletes worldwide. 

Sponsors Who Make It Possible 

CAF gratefully acknowledges the generosity of sponsors including American Securities, Nike, Bloomberg Philanthropies, UBS Financial Services, The Pershing Square Foundation, Pvolve, and many others whose support ensures that CAF can continue breaking down barriers to sport. 

Whether you join for the cooking, the conversation, or the cause, the Celebration of Heroes, Heart and Hope Gala at Home is a reminder that sport has the power to connect, heal, and inspire—no matter where we are. 

Reserve your ticket here and be part of a night that changes lives.