Achilles Logo
Achilles Heel
December 2014
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and
Season's Greetings to you all!

After hearing that many of you would like more regular communication from us, we decided to recreate the Newsletter. Instead of our quarterly printed copy, we will go digital. This way, it will be easier for us to send you "short and sweet" updates on all our activities every month. We will focus on one or two activities happening that month. We will then send out a printed version by the end of each year. We hope you enjoy the new format. Thank you for being a big part of our Achilles family.

 

This month, we are focusing on the New York Chapter.

 

Best wishes for a happy holiday season!
NYC Chapter
The NYC Chapter had another rewarding year. Their 2014 season saw athletes participate in over a dozen road and endurance races, finishing up the year with the Holiday Fun Run in Central Park this December. Over fifty runners and walkers made the 4 mile loop decked out in reindeer antlers and holiday cheer. This time they exchanged their medals for hot chocolate, coffee, and home-made sweets.

Here's to a great end to 2014 and the promise of another inspiring year to come!
Lakin Challenge
We are honored to again launch the Lakin Challenge. Thanks to the generosity of board member David Greenstein, all donations through the end of the year will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $50,000. If you have not already made your annual contribution, please do so before the end of the year to help us reach this goal. 

You can send a check (made out to Achilles International and mailed to 42 West 38 Street, Suite 400, NY, NY 10018) Or donate online. 

Email Megan if you have any questions about how to give. We would appreciate your support in making this year's Lakin Challenge our most successful yet!

 

Our Thanks to YOU!
We have had a wonderful year in 2014, thanks in a large part to YOU! We are so grateful for all for the support each of you has offered us this past year: our board members, our wonderful volunteers and guides, our athletes and all our incredible donors. Each of you has given to us in different ways and each one of you is an important and vital part of our success. Thank you for being a big part of our Achilles Family. 

We hope you enjoy the new format for the newsletter! Any thoughts, comments or suggestions, please feel free to share with us by emailing Fiona McKinney. 

Don't forget to check out our FACEBOOK page for daily updates! This is where you will hear Achilles news first! 

Below are some highlights from a great year in 2014:

NYC Marathon

This year, over 650 Achilles athletes and guides completed the 2014 TCS NYC Marathon.  Our team included athletes from many of our international chapters such as Russia, Japan, South Africa, New Zealand and France.  Achilles works all year to coordinate flights, lodging, and team meals for the weekend, including the celebrated Friday night pasta dinner!  All Achilles athletes and guides are shuttled to the start in Staten Island, where they are accommodated with a heated tent and breakfast.  Then they're off!  The TCS NYC Marathon is truly the pinnacle of our year.  The next time you are spectating the race, make sure to yell out, "Go Achilles!" 


Hope & Possibility
In 2014 we saw the first of many Hope & Possibility races in two new cities in the U.S. -- Nashville and Pittsburgh. Mark your calendars for our races in 2015! 
Achilles Pittsburgh: April 11
Achilles Nashville:   May 9
Achilles New York:  June 28

 

Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans

The Achilles Freedom Team had much success in 2014!  We had over 100 wounded and injured servicemen and women cross a finish line with our team! Big thanks to all of our supporters and sponsors--especially our dear friends at Chevrolet!! Most of all, big thanks and honor to the Freedom Team athletes and their remarkable families--you make us all so proud and so grateful for the freedoms we enjoy daily! 


Junior Board

September 2014 brought in the resurrection of the Achilles Junior Board of Directors. Currently ten members of the Board serve as a fundraising initiative, hosting events and garnering support for Achilles through their professional and social networks. Many of the Junior Board members also serve as volunteers for the different branches of Achilles.

 

Are you under 40 and interested in joining the Achilles Junior Board of Directors?  Please contact Sarah.  Applicants must be based in New York.

 

 

NYC Holiday Bar Night

On Thursday, December 4th, the Achilles Junior Board hosted the annual Holiday Party in support of Achilles NYC. Guests cashed in on drink specials, insane raffle prizes, and holiday cheer. Many thanks to Van Diemens NYC for hosting us and making the night very memorable!

 

 http://www.vandiemensnyc.com 


Palm Beaches Marathon
Over 50 Achilles South Florida local athletes and Freedom Team members completed the 2014 Palm Beaches Marathon and Half Marathon on December 7th.  A great time was had by all at the Courtyard Marriott of West Palm Beach where the team gathered for a handcycle tune-up, pasta dinner, and comraderie.  Many thanks to Kevin O'Brien and his team of bike guides! 
Spirit of America Holiday Dinner
On Friday, December 5th, generous supporters of the Achilles Freedom Team of Wounded Vets gathered at the Palm Beach home of Debbie and Lou Porreco for dining, spirits, and a beautiful concert performed by the Singing Policeman, Daniel Rodriguez. A silent auction boosted the evenings' support. The Endow-A-Wheelchair program was a success, and three additional new handcrank wheelchairs were provided to South Florida Freedom Team members. Endless thanks to Mary Bryant McCourt, Fred McCarthy, Herme di Wyman Miro, Robert Garvy with Intech and Tiffany & George Cloutie.

Upcoming Events 2015

 

Disney Weekend: January 8-11

Central Park Workouts Achilles Kids: January 3 and 17