Memorial & Honorary Grants

Jason R. Tirado Memorial Grant

Jason Tirado, Zeta Epsilon Chapter at George Mason University, passed away on April 30, 2000, from a fall during a hiking trip with friends in the North Carolina mountains. Jason was a Journey of Hope cyclist in 1999 and was spending the 2000 spring semester as Gear Up Florida project manager. He impacted the lives of hundreds during his time with The Ability Experience.

The Jason R. Tirado Memorial Grant provides an annual grant to an organization, voted on by the Journey of Hope team, that made the greatest impact on members along the Journey of Hope North route.

Jason R. Tirado Memorial Grant Recipients
2022

The ARC of Central Nebraska – Grand Island, NE
As a long-time partner, The ARC of Central Nebraska was one of Jason’s favorite Friendship Visits.

2021

Nebraska Spina Bifida Inc. – Omaha, NE

2020

The ARC of Central Nebraska – Grand Island, NE

2019

Eisenhower Center – Ann Arbor, MI

2018

Nebraska Spina Bifida Inc. – Omaha, NE

2017

Rocky Mountain Village

2016

Nebraska Spina Bifida

2015

Southside Arts Center

2014

Chasing Dreams

Journey of Hope

Todd J. Porterfield Memorial Grant

Todd Porterfield, Alpha Delta Chapter at the University of Washington, passed away on August 7, 2000. Todd was cycling with the Journey of Hope South team and was struck by a car in Lexington, N.C. Todd leaves a long legacy of compassion, brotherhood, dedication and selfless giving.

The Todd J. Porterfield Memorial Grant provides an annual grant to an organization, voted on by the Journey of Hope team, that made the greatest impact on members along the Journey of Hope South route.

Todd J. Porterfield Memorial Grant Recipients:
2022

Children’s Therapy Clinic – Huntington, WV

2022

Camp Civitan – Williams, AZ

2020

Holy Angels – Belmont, NC

2019

Every Ability Plays Project of New Mexico – Albuquerque, NM

2018

Sportable Inc. Richmond, VA

2017

Adaptive Recreation Services

2016

AbilityFirst – Long Beach

2015

AbilityFirst – Long Beach

2014

CampUs at Samford University’s Ida Moffett School of Nursing

Journey of Hope

Rogers Family Honorary Grant

Bruce Rogers, Chi Chapter at Stetson University, was the inspiration for Journey of Hope in 1987. He was the first to cycle from the Pacific Northwest to the east coast in order to raise funds and awareness for the organization.

He now lives in Evergreen, CO with his family. Bruce and Sally, his wife, are still very involved with the mission and work of The Ability Experience. Bruce is a major corporate sponsor and regularly does ride-a-longs with the Journey of Hope teams.

ROGERS FAMILY HONORARY GRANT RECIPIENTS:
2019

Adaptive Recreation Opportunities – Fort Collins, Colorado

The City of Fort Collins Recreation Division provides equal and quality recreation for community members with disabilities. Adaptive Recreation Opportunities (ARO) strives to ensure that people with disabilities have the necessary accommodations or support to participate in any recreation program at their highest level of independence.

2017

Latitude Arts

2016

Children’s Therapy Clinic

2015

Walla Walla Valley Disability Network

2014

Panhandle Special Needs Inc.