Celebrating a Night of Inspiration and Impact
Heroes, Heart & Hope Gala Raises Over $2.4M for the Challenged Athletes Foundation
The Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) successfully hosted its 18th annual Heroes, Heart & Hope Gala on Wednesday, September 18, at the exquisite Casa Cipriani in New York City. The event was an inspiring celebration of remarkable athletes with physical disabilities, showcasing their achievements and the transformative impact of CAF’s work. The room was filled with influential people from New York’s elite circles, as well as celebrities like Bob Costas, who conducted an on-stage interview with CAF teen Rosalie Parker, sharing her emotional story with the captivated audience.
Guests were treated to an immersive experience that included powerful storytelling from CAF athletes and an entertaining program that emphasized the impact of supporting athletes, adaptive sports equipment and programs. Event Chairs and philanthropists Scott and Emily Stackman, who have been long-time advocates for individuals with physical disabilities, played a key role in the evening’s success.
Guests were treated to an immersive experience that included powerful storytelling from CAF athletes and an entertaining program that emphasized the impact of supporting athletes, adaptive sports equipment and programs. Event Chairs and philanthropists. The Stackman’s involvement with CAF for the past 18 years has not only transformed the organization but also their life. Their tireless efforts, from fundraising to organizing galas have been instrumental in fueling CAF’s growth and impact in the Northeast over the years.
In recognition of his dedication, Alan Mnuchin was honored at the gala for his contributions to the foundation. A longtime CAF supporter and volunteer since 2006, Mnuchin and his family have actively participated in various events and have helped raise funds to support adaptive sports equipment and programs.
“CAF is helping the next generation of athletes break down barriers and achieve what was once thought of as impossible,” said Scott Stackman, Host, Chairman and Gala founder. “The funds raised at our Heroes, Heart, and Hope Gala will have a profound impact on the lives of athletes with physical disabilities, enabling them to achieve their full potential and thrive.“
Special Guests of the Evening:
Scott & Tyler Sussman + Rosalie Parker
Scott Sussman, a dedicated athlete and father, has always pushed himself and his teammates with heart and determination. Misdiagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at a young age, he rediscovered adaptive sports later in life. He and his son Tyler, both diagnosed with Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia, now participate in various adaptive sports, demonstrating resilience and the belief that anything is possible.
Rosalie Parker, a spirited 14-year-old athlete from Boise, Idaho, Rosalie found her passion for adaptive sports through a CAF baseball clinic and now serves as a role model within the CAF community. In 2020, Rosalie lost all four limbs in a life-changing car accident. While being interviewed by Bob Costas, Rosalie presented Bob with a painting. “I painted a woman at bat to symbolize the start of my journey in CAF,” she said. “I want to give this to you because I know you love sports. She’s painted as a sunshine because it’s the beginning of a new life.”
Over $2.4 Million to Support CAF’s Mission
The gala was not just a celebration but a critical fundraising event, successfully raising over $2.4 million to support CAF’s mission. These funds will help provide adaptive sports equipment and programs for millions of individuals who lack access to the resources necessary to lead active and fulfilling lives.
Casa Cipriani provided a stunning backdrop for the evening, offering a blend of elegance and sophistication that complemented the gala’s inspiring mission. Located at 10 South Street, Casa Cipriani is known for its luxurious atmosphere and breathtaking views, making it the perfect venue for an event of such significance.
Heroes, Heart & Hope Gala Chairs:
Emily & Scott Stackman
Heroes, Heart & Hope Gala Honoree:
Alan Mnuchin
From left to right: Alessandra and Alan Mnuchin, Sarah Reinertsen
(CAF Athlete, Paralympian, Ironman Triathlete)
Alan Mnuchin has been a supporter and volunteer with CAF since 2007, dedicating over 17 years to the mission of CAF. He, his wife Alessandra, and their children, Arielle and Liam, have volunteered and raced alongside CAF athletes at various events such as the Chelsea Piers Family Olympics, the annual Westchester Triathlon, the NYC Marathon, and local CAF wheelchair basketball, amputee run, and adaptive swim clinics. The Mnuchin family are also regular attendees of the Heroes, Heart, and Hope Gala, helping empower the lives of athletes with physical disabilities through sport.
Alan is the Founder and CEO of Ariliam Group, a principal investing and strategic consulting investment firm, focused on the Media, Technology, and related sectors since 2018, and co-Chairman/President of Argus Holdings. Since June 2023, he has also been associated with Liberty Strategic Capital, a Washington DC-based private equity fund, with primary focus on supporting its New Content and Financial Services verticals.
He earned an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago and a B.S. from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of selected non-profit entities including the UJA Federation of New York, The International Tennis Hall of Fame, and the Steep Rock Association, a land trust in Litchfield County CT, as well as being actively involved with New Milford/Danbury Hospitals.
Heroes, Heart & Hope Gala Honoree:
Alan Mnuchin
Alan Mnuchin has been a supporter and volunteer with CAF since 2007, dedicating over 17 years to the mission of CAF. He, his wife Alessandra, and their children, Arielle and Liam, have volunteered and raced alongside CAF athletes at various events such as the Chelsea Piers Family Olympics, the annual Westchester Triathlon, the NYC Marathon, and local CAF wheelchair basketball, amputee run, and adaptive swim clinics. The Mnuchin family are also regular attendees of the Heroes, Heart, and Hope Gala, helping empower the lives of athletes with physical disabilities through sport.
Alan is the Founder and CEO of Ariliam Group, a principal investing and strategic consulting investment firm, focused on the Media, Technology, and related sectors since 2018, and co-Chairman/President of Argus Holdings. Since June 2023, he has also been associated with Liberty Strategic Capital, a Washington DC-based private equity fund, primarily focusing on supporting its New Content and Financial Services verticals.
He earned an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago and a B.S. from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of selected non-profit entities including the UJA Federation of New York, The International Tennis Hall of Fame and the Steep Rock Association, a land trust in Litchfield County CT, as well as being actively involved with New Milford/Danbury Hospitals.
From left to right: Alessandra and Alan Mnuchin, Sarah Reinertsen
Unlocking Infinite Possibilities Through Sport
CAF provides opportunities and support to people with physical disabilities so they can pursue active lifestyles through physical fitness and competitive athletics. CAF believes that involvement in sports at any level increases self-esteem, encourages independence, and enhances quality of life.
OUR NEED
Millions of individuals with physical disabilities do not have access to the critical adaptive sports equiptment and programming needed to be active. Over the past two years, the CAF grant program experienced:
- 20% average increase on some of our most popular pieces of equiptment
- Record number of grant applications received
Your Support is critical to continue current programming and clinics to allow for further expansion in the Greater NYC, Northeast Region, and around the globe.