Fuel the Movement: A Personal Mission to Raise $100,000 for NC Adaptive Sports

👋 Hi, Neighbors!
It's me, Dana Ben. As a local real estate coach, mom, community advocate—and someone who deeply believes in using the gifts we have to lift others, I would like to introduce you to an organization very near and dear to my heart, NC Adapted Sports. They create opportunities for individuals with disabilities to experience the joy of sports and recreation.

This Mother’s Day, I’m hosting a special event that not only honors moms but also kicks off a heartfelt fundraising campaign to support these incredible athletes.

Here’s why this mission means so much to me…

 Finding Purpose After the Pandemic

Three years ago, like many of us, I was feeling a little lost in the wake of the pandemic. I wanted to give back in a meaningful way—something that aligned with my values and truly mattered. That’s when I learned about NC Adapted Sports through our local YMCA. It just clicked.

Having lost my sister to cancer at age 18, I’ve always carried a strong desire to support others going through hardship. When I heard the stories from NC Adapted Sports athletes, I knew I had found the right place.
 A Perfect Match: Sports, Service, and Strength

As a former teacher with a passion for kids and sports, volunteering with NC Adapted Sports gave me the chance to combine all the things I love—helping children and young adults with disabilities, being active, and encouraging others to discover their inner power.

I started spending my Saturdays on the court, playing wheelchair basketball with athletes. It was humbling, challenging, and deeply rewarding.

 Inspired by a Leader, Moved by the Mission

One of my early volunteer tasks was helping Wes Hall, co-founder of NC Adapted Sports, widen bridges in our local parks—so adaptive e-bike riders could access them safely.



As you can see, these "bridges" leave very little room for a person, let alone an adaptive e-bike. If anyone with an e-bike came along they would certainly have some trouble getting around each other on these trails. I could certainly see how some people could feel left out or forgotten.



I was excited to get started  and that day I was working with a small crew building a second bridge for adaptive e-bike riders to use to get over a creek. 

 
We raked, dug holes, moved a lot of dirt and prepared the foundation. We laid down stringers, truss' and the "Bridge Deck". It was good ole' fashioned hard work; I got dirty and cut up and I loved it!



At the end of the day the bridge was complete and I was a changed woman. Not because I got a little dirty, but because of the amazing people I met throughout the day-each sharing their own compelling story about how they got here, the struggles they face or the insane equipment costs they face if they want to stay active.



That was my wake-up call!

Adaptive sports equipment is expensive and without community support and organizations like NC Adaptive Sports, people just don't get the things they need to stay active. 

I knew I had to do more.

If you know me, you know Dana Ben doesn’t do anything halfway-I proudly joined the Board of Directors at NC Adapted Sports and set a bold goal that will certainly make a difference:

 I will raise $100,000 in 2025 to support adaptive athletes and NC Adapted Sports incredible programs.

Here's How We Can Help Together:

This year, I’ve launched a multifaceted fundraising campaign to meet that $100,000 goal.

Here’s how you can be part of it:

• Buy a House! I will donate 15% of my commission from all real estate transactions in 2025 to NC Adapted Sports.

•  If you buy one of my listings and choose to donate, a portion of my commission + your gift will go directly to the organization—in your name.

•  You can donate anytime by visiting our link below.

•  Join us at community events and meet-ups around the Triangle throughout the year!
  
  
• 👍 Subscribe to our email and follow us on Facebook to stay up to date with all we are doing.

 Mother’s Day Breakfast Meet-Up 🥓

 Why This Matters

For many of the athletes supported by NC Adapted Sports, getting out on the field or court isn’t just about the game—it’s about freedom, confidence, and community. It’s about a mom watching her child smile with pride as they cross a finish line. A dad seeing his teenager thrive in a team. A family experiencing joy, not just surviving the day-to-day.

Adaptive sports break down barriers—physical, social, and emotional. They provide access to something every person deserves: the chance to be seen, to belong, and to shine. But these programs don’t run on passion alone. They require equipment, transportation, coaching, and specialized facilities—resources that many families can’t afford on their own.

Your support helps fund that access. It says to these families, "We see you. We believe in your strength. And we’re cheering you on. So whether it's kayaking in a river, racing down the rapids, or shooting hoops at the park these athletes remind us all of the strength and joy we’re capable of.

Volunteering with NC Adapted Sports brought me back to the heart of it all: community, resilience, and showing up for one another.

Let’s build something stronger—together.
Make a donation, today!!!

 👑⭐️ 👑⭐️