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Dare2tri Honors Shirley W. Ryan and Corbett M.W. Ryan, Raises Critical Funds at Evening2Inspire Gala

CHICAGO (November 11, 2019) - Dare2tri, a non-profit committed to making physical activity accessible for individuals with physical disabilities and visual impairments, honored Shirley W. Ryan and Corbett M.W. Ryan at its 5th Annual Evening2Inspire gala on Friday, November 1. The event, held at the Chicago Cultural Center, brought together 260 business and philanthropic leaders, Paralympic medalists, and special guests for an incredible evening that raised $200,000 for the organization.

Dare2tri was pleased to honor Shirley W. Ryan and Corbett M.W. Ryan with the One Inspires Many Community Impact Award for their shared commitment to advancing accessibility for all. Shirley W. Ryan is the chair and co-founder of Pathways.org, which merged with the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, the top-ranked research hospital formerly known as the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. Corbett M.W. Ryan is a devoted advocate for inclusion and accessibility rights who has brought about positive change within classrooms and workplaces around the country. Through his advocacy, he has represented the United States at the United Nations delegation for persons with disabilities.

The event's theme "Ignite the Light" was brought to life throughout the program. Paralympic medalist Hailey Danz delivered a moving speech in which she spoke proudly of Dare2tri and the role the organization played in sparking her career as a professional triathlete. Fellow Paralympic medalist Melissa Stockwell, also a Purple Heart Medal recipient and Dare2tri co-founder, joined emcee Dave Kappas onstage for a paddle raise that inspired guests to fund critical programmatic needs. The Chicago Cultural Center's iconic Preston Bradley Hall set the stage for the evening's festivities, which included a silent auction, cocktails, a seated dinner, and music by The Last Minute.

Proceeds from Evening2Inspire enable Dare2tri to provide life-changing programs and services for individuals who have a physical disability such as amputation, spinal cord injury, stroke, spina bifida, cerebral palsy, and those with visual impairments and blindness.

Next year marks Dare2tri's 10th anniversary as an organization. Community members are invited to join Dare2tri for a milestone celebration at the 6th Annual Evening2Inspire, tentatively scheduled for fall 2020.

About Dare2tri: Dare2tri is a non-profit dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with physical disabilities and visual impairments by building confidence, community, health and wellness through swimming, biking and running. A leader in the paratriathlon community, Dare2tri provides adaptive training for youth, adults, and injured service members, from the beginner to elite level. Since 2011, Dare2tri has helped thousands cross the finish line by eliminating barriers to high-priced equipment, transportation and coaching. The organization is based in Chicago, Ill., but its community of athletes spans nationwide. Learn more at dare2tri.org.

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