IM ABLE Foundation Shatters Fundraising Goals at Annual BASH

IM ABLE Foundation Shatters Fundraising Goals at Annual BASH

Reading, PA – The IM ABLE Foundation, a non-profit in the Mid-Atlantic region, helps individuals with physical, cognitive, and/or behavioral disabilities participate in physical activity. Through grants for adaptive equipment and inclusive programs, the foundation empowers people living with disabilities to stay active. The foundation is pleased to announce the success of its annual BASH fundraiser, held on March 15, 2025, at the Alvernia Plex in Reading, PA.

The event raised over $350,000, surpassing the original goal of $250,000. This success reflects the generous support of hundreds of individuals and businesses who helped advance the foundation’s mission to provide adaptive equipment and expand opportunities for people with disabilities.

The event saw a record-breaking registration of 750 individuals and the dedicated support of 50 volunteers, whose efforts were crucial in making the BASH a resounding success. The night was filled with celebration, inspiration, and the spirit of inclusivity.

The evening featured the presentation of two prestigious awards. The 2025 Community Motivator of the Year Award was presented to Peter and Marshia Carlino and their family, whose unwavering support for the IM ABLE Foundation since its inception in 2007 has helped countless adaptive athletes access the adaptive equipment and fitness opportunities they need to thrive.

The 2025 Adaptive Motivator of the Year Award was presented to Chris Kaag, Founder and Chief Motivational Officer of IM ABLE. Kaag’s dedication to adaptive sports, combined with his optimism and resilience, has opened up new possibilities for countless athletes. His leadership continues to make a lasting impact on the adaptive sports community. In a heartfelt moment,
Kaag’s former Drill Instructor, a pivotal figure in Kaag’s journey and a key inspiration behind his commitment to overcoming challenges, made a surprise appearance. The emotional reunion between the two, after years apart, was a powerful and moving highlight of the evening.

New for this year was the addition of Wheelchair BASH-ketball tournament. Teams of non-disabled players, comprised of sponsors and community members, participated in a thrilling, fast-paced, bracket-style single-elimination exhibition tournament. The winning team, representing the Daniel J. Parzych Memorial Fund, advanced to face off against some of the best adaptive athletes in the region: members of the PA Lions, Katie’s Komets, and Bennett Blazers wheelchair basketball teams. The matchups showcased impressive skill, sportsmanship, and the powerful spirit of inclusivity in adaptive sports.

As the presenting sponsor, PENN Entertainment demonstrated its commitment to community empowerment, helping bring together supporters who share a vision of inclusivity for athletes of all abilities.

During the evening, Cindi Davis, Board Secretary, presented two life-changing pieces of adaptive equipment, continuing IM ABLE’s mission of empowering athletes by providing them with the necessary tools to lead active lifestyles.

Aiden Guzovsky, a lifelong adaptive athlete from Maryland, received a custom wheelchair. Guzovsky has dedicated himself to wheelchair basketball, and this new chair will enable him to train, compete, and share his passion with his community. The wheelchair was generously funded by The Daniel J. Parzych Memorial Fund, which honors the life of Dan Parzych, a man who lived with passion, purpose, and a deep love for sports. The fund ensures that others have the same opportunities to stay active and experience the transformative power of movement.

Emily Nappi, a first responder who lives with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, received a Top End Force G Handcycle at the BASH. Just the next day, Nappi went on to win first place in the Women’s Handcycle category at the United Airlines NYC Half Marathon, using her new handcycle. Nappi shared her gratitude, saying, “I am incredibly honored and grateful to receive this handcycle. When I became disabled and lost my career as an EMT, I felt like I had lost a part of myself. Adaptive sports gave me the chance to reclaim my identity—not just as an athlete, but as someone who thrives on a challenge and adrenaline. This handcycle is not just a bike—it’s freedom, possibility, and a new beginning. It’s empowerment to pursue my life again, and it’s a reminder that independence cannot occur without community. Thank you to everyone who made this possible, because of you, I and so many others can keep chasing goals and proving that together, we go further.”

“The success of the 2025 BASH fundraiser highlights the powerful impact of the community’s support and strengthens the IM ABLE Foundation’s mission to equip adaptive athletes with the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed. IM ABLE is deeply grateful to all the sponsors, volunteers, donors, and supporters whose contributions made this event a remarkable success," said Alex A. Pilkington, CEO of the IM ABLE Foundation.

For more information, email Ashley Tomasko at ashley@imablefoundation.org or visit imablefoundation.org

For more information about IM ABLE Foundation’s services, sponsorship, or to make a gift, please contact Director of Development Brian Sutherland at brian@imablefoundation.org or visit imablefoundation.org