The Adaptive Athletics Foundation of Maryland (AAFMD) First Annual For Purpose Benefit Gala took place on December 6, 2024 at The Graduate By Hilton Hotel located in Annapolis, Maryland. The Maryland Gold Star Mothers provided a Logo Sponsorship for this event. Maryland Gold Star Mothers Stephanie White, Donna Robinson, and Janice Chance attended the event. The evening included a dinner, music, and speakers from various walks of life within Maryland’s disabled community. John Edward Heath, retired Marine and a former professional athlete from Maryland and Founder/CEO of the Adaptive Athletics Foundation of Maryland sponsored this event. All funds raised during the Gala will expand access to physical activity for all by training 30 fitness professionals in the DMV to become Adaptive Training Academy (ATA) certified, funding outreach to owners of CrossFit gyms in the DMV on how to meaningfully reach and retain members of the disabled community, equipping 10 CrossFit gyms in the DMV with the necessary adaptive equipment to allow them to work alongside able-bodied peers and friends (approx. $4,000/gym) and finally empowering AAFMD to extend accessible fitness for everyone from the DMV to the greater Mid-Atlantic region.
