The Challenged Athletes Foundation® (CAF) brought the Bay Area community together for an unforgettable evening of purpose and celebration at the 2026 Celebration of Heart Gala, raising over $1.3 million to support individuals with physical disabilities in pursuing active, athletic lives. Held April 17 at Pier 27 in San Francisco, this year’s event embraced the theme Power in Motion, a tribute to the extraordinary momentum created when access, opportunity, and community come together.

Morgan Pixley and Ajay Shenoy

With more than 400 guests in attendance, the evening was filled with emotion, energy, and powerful reminders of why CAF’s mission matters. From a moving opening performance of Impossible is Possible to athlete storytelling, inspiring remarks, and a high-impact paddle raise led by renowned auctioneer Lydia Fenet, the gala celebrated the transformational role sport plays in building confidence, connection, and possibility.

Kristin Roth DeClark & Karl Peterson, Allison Caccoma & Alan Shanken, Ryan Goldman & Lotte Toftdahl

Leadership That Made the Evening Possible

The success of the evening was driven in large part by the leadership and generosity of event co-chairs Allison Caccoma and Alan Shanken, Kristin Roth DeClark and Karl Peterson, and Lotte Toftdahl and Ryan Goldman, whose passion for CAF and commitment to the Bay Area community helped shape a meaningful and memorable event. Their heartfelt presence on stage, along with the support of sponsors, committee members, and volunteers, helped create a night that not only raised critical funds but also celebrated the strength, resilience, and momentum of CAF athletes and families. “This is what CAF does best. It creates access. It builds community. And it changes what people believe is possible,” said Alan Shanken, event co-chair and CAF Board Member.

“This evening reflects the very best of the CAF community, with people coming together to create opportunity and expand what is possible,” said Kristine Entwistle, Chief Executive Director of the Challenged Athletes Foundation. “Thanks to this extraordinary support, more athletes with physical disabilities will have access to sport, community, and the life-changing impact both can bring.”

The program also highlighted the broader Bay Area network that makes this work possible, including volunteers, coaches, mentors, and clinic leaders who help create access to adaptive sport across Northern California. Throughout the evening, guests were reminded that CAF’s impact goes far beyond competition, helping individuals with physical disabilities build strength, resilience, health, joy, and lasting community.

Funds raised from the evening will help CAF continue to provide adaptive sports equipment, coaching, travel support, competition expenses, and access to life-changing clinics and programs. As highlighted during the paddle raise, these resources are often not covered by insurance, making donor support essential for athletes to access the tools they need to move, compete, and thrive.

The night ended with joy, gratitude, music, and a packed dance floor as the Wreckless Strangers took the stage, a fitting close to an evening that honored the spirit of the CAF community and the power of showing up for one another. There is still time to support the 2026 Celebration of Heart Gala and help fuel opportunities for athletes with physical disabilities in the Bay Area and beyond.