I have been a part of the Paralyzed Veterans of America California Chapter (PVACC) for the past 11 years. During that time, they have sent me to the National Veterans Wheelchair Gamest where I competed in hand-cycling, slalom (in this event I was honored to be the PN Magazine cover), pool, table tennis, & bowling. Once a year, I get to attend Winter Sports Clinic in Aspen, CO for a whole week, enjoying many activities including skiing, fishing, snowmobiling, self-defense classes, & experiencing the many flavors of Aspen.  VA, PVACC & CAF sponsored me in many archery events to which I enjoyed the sense of competition at a higher level. These activities lead me to wheelchair tennis where, for the past 3 years, I have devoted most of my athletic endeavors. PVACC & CAF have sent me to many tennis venues where I have experienced not only competition, but travel,  social interaction, and the joy of my family sometime in the audience. The subconscious life message that my granddaughter receives seeing her Papa overcoming diversity, is to never give up, that little unimportant day to day defeats are nothing to life's big picture. "If my Papa can do it so can I."

 To give back, I could not be more excited to be raising money for such an amazing organization through this campaign. When you donate to this campaign, 100% of your donation will go directly into the hands of a veteran looking to go out a "Put A Smile On Their Face," whether doing something listed above or a myriad of other activities they might be interested in.  This is an excellent opportunity for you to make a vet smile. I am committed to raising a personal goal of $1,500 for this rappel and hope I can get your support for any amount towards this event.

 The Paralyzed Veterans of America California Chapter has been serving Veterans with Spinal Cord Injuries and Diseases for over 75 years.  PVACC is the oldest chapter in the country, and the PVA is the only Non Profit chartered by Congress dedicated to serving Veterans with Spinal Cord Injuries and Diseases.

 PVACC provides both local programs for our members, and the means for our members to try ANY type of adaptive program anywhere in the nation.  From Fishing to Sky Diving, SCUBA, to Skiing, Computer Classes to PhD programs.... basically ANYTHING that helps "Put A Smile" on a Veterans's face, we are there for them.

 Each of our 600+ members is eligible for up to $2000/year to go out and experience life and do something that is fun to them. That is a potential $1.2M/year just in Sports/Recreation/Education Grants.

 When you donate to this campaign, 100% of your donation will go directly into the hands of a veteran looking to go out an "Put A Smile On Their Face" whether doing something listed above or a myriad of other activities they might be interested in. This is a great opportunity for you to directly make a vet smile.

 In addition to providing Sports & Recreation, Fundraising & Membership Goals, PVACC also provides the following: 

Administration: PVACC maintains an administrative office in California, with field representatives to service the needs and interests of our membership.

 Advocacy: PVACC advocates for our members and the disabled community by remaining cognizant of local and national disability issues. We remain actively vigilant in assisting and representing our members regarding anything affecting their civil rights when issues regarding disability arise. PVACC also maintains a vocal and visible presence on disability-related issues in the community. We strive to vocally promote fair opportunity and equal access.

 Communications: PVACC maintains active communication with our membership and the disabled community through a variety of resources. PVACC hosts an active website that provides service links to a variety of disability resources. We also produce a periodic newsletter, hold meetings of the membership and work with local disability organizations to ensure national and local information regarding disabled issues are provided to our membership

 Liaison/Service: PVACC serves to coordinate and communicate with the Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Health Center, and other veteran’s health services that directly affect our membership. PVACC currently has full-time National Service Officers to interact with our members, thus ensuring they receive their entitled benefits. We assist and remain available to assist our members as requested.