FIFTH ANNUAL X-TREME ABILITY CHALLENGE RETURNS TO BENEFIT HSI (8/26/2006)
Reno, Nev. - The competition is heating up for the fifth annual X-treme Ability Challenge (XAC), as the business community gets ready to compete against local University of Nevada, Reno athletes, elected officials and members of the media for the first place title of an unusual but unique relay race. The XAC is a fundraising event that provides participants a rare opportunity to experience work from the perspective of a disabled person. This year's challenge will be held at HSI, 555 Reactor Way, Reno, on Saturday, August 26 at 10:30 a.m. and includes a barbeque and silent auction.
HSI, a non-profit organization providing light manufacturing work experience for mentally and physically challenged individuals, considers XAC its largest fundraiser. Teams of eight participate in a short relay race, pushing their limits as they perform the same tasks as HSI employees, such as assembling brackets using only one hand, building a box while blindfolded or opening a door sitting in a wheel chair.
The XAC event creates awareness of the abilities of disabled individuals as well as raises crucial funds used to support and enhance the quality of work life for HSI employees.
Few have had an opportunity to live the popular expression "walk a mile in someone else's shoes," said to LaVonne Brooks, HSI chief executive officer and executive director. "The XAC race is literally an opportunity for community members to 'walk a mile' in our employees' shoes. This event is designed to focus on what people with disabilities can do and how they contribute positively to our community. People want to work, they want to feel needed and useful. People with disabilities -no matter how severe-are no different."
XAC teams will experience the following challenges:
- Put different sized assembly parts into a bag while being blindfolded.
- Assemble a box with their non-dominant hand.
- Use sign language, utilizing a reference card, to communicate a message to a team member. The team member will receive the message and record it to ensure accuracy.
- Open a door and maneuver through it while in a wheel chair. Another team member will close the door and race for the finish line.
This year's XAC Event Chair is BJ Sullivan, President of Clark and Sullivan Constructors (and HSI Board member) and the Honorary Chair is Grant Markham, Chairman of the Board, First Independent Bank
The community is encouraged to register and support this important event. Teams of eight people are $1,000 or to just attend and watch the events, tickets for the festivities, including the barbeque and silent auction, are $25. HSI is located at 555 Reactor Way, near Energy and Rock Boulevard in Reno. To register or find out more about how your business can support HSI, go to www.hsireno.com or call 775-829-7400, ext. 109.
Also as part of HSI's 2006 XAC, comedian Josh Blue will bring his witty and hilarious act to the Grand Sierra Resort (formerly the Reno Hilton) in Reno, Nev. on Aug. 26 to benefit HSI. Blue, who will will perform a "PG" show at 6:30 p.m. and an adult performance at 9 p.m. Must be 14 or older to attend the 6:30 p.m. show and 18 or older to attend the 9 p.m. show.
Blue has been a fast-rising star since first appearing on Comedy Central's "Mind of Mencia" and subsequently gaining the attention and endearment of the country as the winner of NBC's "Last Comic Standing." He is a diverse and triumphant individual, hilarious stand-up comedian, stand-out television star, talented artist, and stellar U.S. Paralympic Soccer player - refusing to bow to any of the challenges that come from living with Cerebral Palsy.
To purchase tickets to Josh Blue, call the Grand Sierra Resort ticket box office by calling (775) 789-2285 or visit www.hsireno.com. Tickets are $25 each.
About HSI
HSI is a non-profit organization established in 1977 to serve people with disabilities in northern Nevada. HSI provides a variety of meaningful work, learning and supported living opportunities for more than 190 people with disabilities. In addition to providing employment opportunities in the light manufacturing industry, HSI also encourages the people they serve to become self-sufficient and independent, by delivering the best training and development services available. HSI is recognized by local, statewide and national organizations for the service it provides to the disabled community as well as excellence in manufacturing operations.