Post by Sharon Faulkner on Sept 26, 2007 1:26:54 GMT -5
Pond Free installation fundraiser planned for Richard Gattone
September 24, 2007
CHATTANOOGA, TN — Richard Gattone, a talented young water feature contractor, was seriously injured in a fall while rock climbing on Aug. 11 when his equipment failed. He broke his back in two places, completely crushed his pelvis, broke six ribs, and shattered his right foot and ankle. Rick is both an accomplished climber and an active volunteer for the local Cliff and Cave Search and Rescue Team.
Rick may not walk again and if he does, he will never be able to bend over or pick up more than ten or fifteen pounds — his dedicated career as a water feature contractor may well be over. Many say it is a miracle that he even survived.
On Dec. 7 and 8, a special fundraising benefit will be held in Chattanooga, TN, to assist with Rick's recovery effort. The event, hosted by the Savio Water Feature Institute program, will be the subject of a two-day Advanced RISE Method seminar and is expected to have national draw. Attendees will take part in the construction of an extraordinary 80 ft. Pond Free water feature while learning advanced natural water feature design techniques. Proceeds from the installation will go to a charity set up in Richard Gattone's name. Industry sponsors and individuals interested in offering their time, equipment, or making a donation of funds toward his ongoing medical expenses are requested to contact his friend and local organizer Rick Bartel 505/803-1612.
Article
See related thread Man Rescued from Cave in the Cave Rescue Section.
Feel free to forward this announcement to your grottos and other TAG cavers.
September 24, 2007
CHATTANOOGA, TN — Richard Gattone, a talented young water feature contractor, was seriously injured in a fall while rock climbing on Aug. 11 when his equipment failed. He broke his back in two places, completely crushed his pelvis, broke six ribs, and shattered his right foot and ankle. Rick is both an accomplished climber and an active volunteer for the local Cliff and Cave Search and Rescue Team.
Rick may not walk again and if he does, he will never be able to bend over or pick up more than ten or fifteen pounds — his dedicated career as a water feature contractor may well be over. Many say it is a miracle that he even survived.
On Dec. 7 and 8, a special fundraising benefit will be held in Chattanooga, TN, to assist with Rick's recovery effort. The event, hosted by the Savio Water Feature Institute program, will be the subject of a two-day Advanced RISE Method seminar and is expected to have national draw. Attendees will take part in the construction of an extraordinary 80 ft. Pond Free water feature while learning advanced natural water feature design techniques. Proceeds from the installation will go to a charity set up in Richard Gattone's name. Industry sponsors and individuals interested in offering their time, equipment, or making a donation of funds toward his ongoing medical expenses are requested to contact his friend and local organizer Rick Bartel 505/803-1612.
Article
See related thread Man Rescued from Cave in the Cave Rescue Section.
Feel free to forward this announcement to your grottos and other TAG cavers.