Pre-blast for LET THEM SOAR 5K / SpeedForNeed Event

You’ve seen what kind of impact Speed for Need can have on both you and the community, so let’s keep the momentum going.  Join the A51 PAX and Tackling Dummy for the upcoming LET THEM SOAR 5K on 11/4.  Read the personal story from Tackling Dummy below and be sure to sign up to support him and The Exceptional Foundation!

My brother, Andy, is one of the most influential people in my life, the namesake for my first son, and the most amazing individual I know. Yet Andy faces a challenge every day which I do not face; he has Down syndrome. Growing up, we had a community of friends and family that loved Andy well. The school system he grew up in embraced him and provided him long term friendships. However, when high school ended for Andy, he was left without a great way to engage people on a social level or to continue to develop his skills to contribute to the community. This is true for thousands of people like my brother across the country. Schools do a great job of inclusion, but when those activities are through, there is not much for an adult with a mental disability to do with their free time. With so much love and value to offer, it is a great shame that there are many like Andy that do not get to share it with others on a daily basis.

In 1993, my family was involved in the founding of the national Exceptional Foundation in Birmingham, AL…

“to provide a facility and programs for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities to meet regularly and experience a broad range of social and recreational activities designed to promote healthy living, support social relationships, explore the arts, improve functional skills, and foster community involvement.” – The Exceptional Foundation mission

Through the great leadership of the board and executive directors they have employed, the Exceptional Foundation has become a transforming force in the lives of families (my family included) across the entire city of Birmingham. Hundreds of individuals with disabilities come to the Foundation on a daily basis and hundreds of volunteers have come alongside the participants in a meaningful way. In addition Merrill Lynch team mates in Birmingham have become key partners in the success of the Exceptional Foundation.

Today, my brother Andy has more friends, more social events and more fun than anyone I know. The fact that he has such a great place to spend time and build personal relationships has impacted his confidence, showcased the love he has for others and provided my family real community with others that have sons and daughters with special needs.

The Exceptional Foundation of Charlotte provides a facility and programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to meet regularly and experience a broad range of social and recreational activities designed to promote healthy living, support social relationships, explore the arts, improve functional skills and foster community involvement to fill this void. Until now, this has been a gap for individuals in Charlotte. I am happy to have been a part of opening the doors to The Exceptional Foundation of Charlotte in September 2016 at First United Methodist Church in the heart of uptown.

Tackling Dummy (John Jordan)

Please join me for the Let Them Soar 5K at Christ Covenant Church in Matthews on Saturday, November 4^th supporting the Exceptional Foundation.  I’ve spoken to many of you about how important the Exceptional Foundation is to me and to this community.  I included a little more of my story at the end of this email, to remind you of the mission and purpose behind the Exceptional Foundation: which is to provide a special place for those with special needs.   This month we are celebrating one full year of operations here in Uptown Charlotte (www.tefcharlotte.org), and things are going great.  We have 4 employees and have created a great community for over 50 participants locally.  For all of those that have supported the journey so far through volunteering, giving and moral support, THANK YOU!   Your support is making a huge impact on the special needs community.

Please consider joining me on this day to participate in the run.  Details on the race as well as a link to register are below…you can participate by yourself, join a team or even be a “Spirit Runner” (you get a t-shirt and don’t have to run!).  My entire family will out there in either the 5K or the fun run (appropriate for young kids).  Please spread the word for this great event to friends, family and colleagues…it is a great team event and all are welcome!

http://letthemsoar5k.racesonline.com/register