For 5 years, Westport has hosted Catch a Lift fundraisers.
Yet the attendees — wounded post-9/11 service members, who heal physically and mentally thanks to the gym memberships and home fitness equipment the organization provides — give at least as much to Westport, in terms of inspiration and motivation, as they get.
Now they’re going to give even more.
Tonight (Friday, November 8, 7 p.m., Birchwood Country Club) is the CAL gala. There’s great food, beverages, a DJ, video, and more than a dozen Catch a Lift guests of honor.
Catch a Lift veterans, at a Birchwood Country Club event.
Tomorrow (Saturday, November 9, 8:30 a.m.), those same men and women head to Compo Beach.
The combat veterans — all suffering from serious PTSD, some who are double amputees — along with their friends and family members, will push disabled athletes in myTeamTriumph. The event is a fun run, of about 2 miles.
MTT is a program for children, teens and adults with disabilities who otherwise could not participate in endurance events like triathlons and road races. Volunteers “ride along,” helping them compete in — and enjoy — those endeavors.
Over the years, Catch a Lift and myTeamTriumph have formed a special bond.
Adam Vengrow — a Westporter, and vice president of the CAL board of directors — has worked closely with mTT board member Andy Berman. Combining their efforts, Vengrow says, demonstrates the power of volunteerism and collaboration.
Andy Berman (left) and Austin enjoy a myTeamTriumph event.
Curt Lueker — another Westporter, who is founder and president of myTeamTriumph — calls the partnership “a unique match.”
Tomorrow’s event is open to anyone who wants to or walk. Click here to sign up.
We welcome our Catch a Lift guests to Westport. And we are awed by what they give us when they’re here.
PS: Last weekend, Berman finished the New York City marathon. For him, this run will be a walk in the park.