On November 20, 2008 over 320 members and their families gathered for the Annual PossAbilities Scholarship Dinner. James Ramos, Chairman of San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, joined us as the guest of honor. He announced the tribes sponsorship of PossAbilities for 2009 in the amount of $270k. Dan Rendler, Race Director from the Redlands Bicycle Classic (RBC) presented Michael Jackson, Vice President of LLUMCEC with a photo gift for LLUMCEC’s support of the RBC. Mark Wellman, a nationally acclaimed author, filmmaker, and motivational speaker who was paralyzed in a mountain climbing accident was the guest speaker. Educational, recreational and adaptive scholarships were awarded to The Schumacher family, David DeMello, Chris Melin, and Abbey Umali. Jimmy Grissom was acknowledged as Volunteer of the Year, Jordan Wallen as Member of the Year, and Eric Arrington, Dan Davies, Delmon Dunston, Antonio Steward and Briana Walker were all recognized for their work on the Speaker’s Bureau. Eric Arrington and Delmon Dunston were the two new inductees into the Hall of Heroes for their commitment to supporting their community and their years of devotion to PossAbilities. Their biographies and photos will be hung in the current Hall of Heroes at Loma Linda University Medical Center East Campus located at 11406 Loma Linda Drive in Loma Linda, CA. We closed the evening with a tribute to the families of Gina Barnes and Joe Tinker, former members of PossAbilities that have passed on.

On December 17, 2008, eight families, 15 children with all different disabilities, 5 volunteers, and the PossAbilities staff gathered together to celebrate Christmas. The evening was filled with smiles and laughter while decorating Christmas ornaments, opening gifts, singing songs, and eating pizza. Thanks to all of our families that came out to make such special memories!

PossAbilities was the title sponsor of the 1st Annual Redlands Bulldog Triathlon & 5k that took place on October 19, 2008. There were 478 entrants: 335 Triathletes and 143 runners!!  PossAbilities had a GREAT showing out there both as a sponsor and as participants and competitors - 1st & 3rd Male Overall among many others!!  WOW!  Antonio Steward was also a 1st place medalist and a crowd favorite!  Way to go PossAbilities!!!
Video Montage: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpfSpaKrG48
Event Flier: http://www.ci.redlands.ca.us/recreation/PDFs/Tri%20Flier.pdf

Team PossAbilities showed up with great strength at the Lake Arrowhead Triathlon on August, 16, 2008 not only as a sponsor but as a team. PossAbilities Tri Team members take home 2 Gold – Tom Resh and the Female Relay Team - Holly Resh, Patty Peoples, and Gill Howard. A Bronze medal also went to Margot Williams. Go Team PossAbilities!!!