The $25,000 grant is being awarded to The Ability Experience, (formerly known as Push America), on behalf of Mark Adamson, Wells Fargo Securities. The Ability Experience focuses on serving and enhancing the quality of life for those with disabilities and developing leaders through that service. Adamson says his devotion to the organization hits close to home, thanks to his late cousin Tracy Strubbe.
“Tracy lived with disabilities all her life and was one of the most amazing people I’ve ever known,” he said. “I can’t understate the impact she had on me wanting to do something to help people who face the same challenges she did.”
Adamson first became involved in the organization as an undergraduate at the University of South Carolina. Nearly 30 years later, he’s a member of the organization’s Board of Directors.
The Ability Experience is a philanthropic organization of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity and initially focused solely on building accessible play units for children with disabilities. Over the years, the mission evolved and Adamson and many other volunteers have participated in fundraising bike rides across the country, disability awareness programs, construction projects for group homes and facilities that serve those with disabilities, and summer camps where volunteers bond with campers.
“Just seeing the smiles on their faces, whether we’re helping someone run a marathon or we’re spending one on one time talking, it’s really meaningful,” he said. “It teaches you that we’re all more alike than we are different and we just want to be appreciated for our abilities.”
Adamson said The Ability Experience will likely use the grant to grow the organization’s endowment, which helps fund programs where volunteers build accessible pavilions, playground and wheelchair ramps, among other things.
“I’m thankful, honored and humbled to receive this award,” said Adamson.