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
2016
2015
2014

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
2020
2019
Every Ability Plays Project of New Mexico – Albuquerque, NM
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
CampUs at Samford University’s Ida Moffett School of Nursing

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
2016
2015
Walla Walla Valley Disability Network
2014
