The Hoyt Foundation February Newsletter |
From the Office of the President |
No Greater Love Dick and Judy Hoyt were high school sweethearts. He was captain of the football team she was the head cheerleader.
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In their yearbook there was a quote that read - Richie (as Dick was known back in the day) and Judy are “like coffee and tea one without the other you rarely will see.” Soon after graduation they were married and soon after that they were expecting their first child. Due to complications at birth their first son Richard E. Hoyt Jr. was born with severe brain damage resulting in cerebral palsy. The doctors told them he would amount to nothing. The doctors said they should forget about Rick put him away in an institution and have more children. Dick and Judy looked in each other’s eyes and decided right then and there they would take Rick home and raise him as if he didn’t have a disability. They showed that when two people open their hearts and minds to each other there is no greater love. That love pushed them to do amazing things for and with Rick. Judy changed the education system so that Rick could be included in public school just like his brothers. Dick learned to run and competed in over 1,100 races with his son just like everyone else.
After 32 years of marriage Dick and Judy decided there were difficulties between them that they could not overcome and they got divorced. In September of 2010 Judy was loosing her battle with ovarian cancer. Judy asked me to bring Dick to her in hospice. When I brought Dad in I stood close by as I was not sure how the interaction would go. Mom took Dad’s hand and said, “I’m sorry you were the greatest love of my life.” Dad Responded, “I never stopped loving you.” I learned that day that no matter how difficult the challenges are early, how great the victories are along the way, or how you find your way back; when two people open their hearts and minds to each other there is no greater love.
Happy Valentine’s Day, The Hoyt Family, Team Hoyt, and The Hoyt Foundation |
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In September of 1977 I was 11. I began school in the sixth grade in South Middle School, in Westfield Massachusetts. South Middle School was Sixth grade, Seventh grade and Eighth Grade. When my class mates went to the gymnasium I didn't go with my class mates because mom was concerned that I just would sit on the side lines and watch! The name of my physical education teacher was Steve Sartori. Mr. Sartori was the head basketball Coach of the men's basketball team at Westfield State University. After a week of talking between mom and Mr. Sartori I was able to take physical education class.
When the physical education teacher called my name, my classmates didn't know what to say to the physical education teacher. In the sixth grade every student had to change into a uniform before physical education class. Before and after every class Mr. Sartori changed me into and out of my uniform. Every student changed into this uniform, a pair of red shorts and a white tee shirt.
One day after physical education class Mr. Sartori told me about a five mile road race, for a badly hurt lacrosse player. When dad came home, I got on my computer and wrote, “Dad can I run this race?” and Dad said, “YES YOU CAN.” We entered the race and Dad who was not a runner at the time had to push me in a wheelchair that was not designed for running. In fact, people who watched us run said it was like watching someone race while pushing a grocery cart. We finished the race coming in next to last but not last. As we crossed the finish line my physical education teacher's wife took my picture and Dad said it shows the biggest smile you ever saw.
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| When we got home Dad was so sore, he could barely walk. Mom put me on my computer and I wrote, "Dad when I am running it feels like my disability disappears!" That was the moment Team Hoyt was born! Respectfully, Rick Hoyt
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The Hoyt Foundation Staff |
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The Hoyt Foundation staff assist with the daily operations of the foundation. We are excited to introduce our four staff members! |
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Lisa Hoyt Clerc Lisa keeps the Hoyt Foundation “running” by coordinating events and supporting the board to keep
everything on “track”. |
| Zoe Staude Director of Development Zoe manages all social media, maintains our database, develops our newsletter and event planning for
the Hoyt Foundation. |
| Troy Hoyt Director of Organization Troy connects with Team Hoyt runners to support their training, fundraising, and makes sure they
have the tools to represent the Hoyt Foundation. |
| Ryan Hoyt Director of Finance Ryan keeps track of all donations, expenses and sponsorship that support the Hoyt Foundation. |
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Congratulations to BJ Williams who finished the World Marathon Challenge this past week with his final marathon in Miami Florida. BJ set out to concur the World Marathon Challenge a few years back, however was delayed due to the COVID-19 Pandemic shutdowns.
BJ completed the World Marathon Challenge to raise awareness for the 11 Team Hoyt chapters in the US and Canada. If you are interested in contributing to BJ's fundraising efforts, please visit his GoFundMe page. Check below for Pictures of BJ's runs as well as the times he completed his marathons in 7 consecutive days.
WORLD MARATHON CHALLENGE
Seven Marathons. Seven Continents. Seven Days.
Novo, Antarctica: 6:09:41
Cape Town, Africa: 5:45:46
Perth, Australia: 5:13:22
Dubai, Asia: 4:48:18
Madrid, Europe: 4:58:24
Fortaleza, South America: 6:42:07
Miami, North America: 5:03:31
The Hoyt Foundation couldn't be more proud of the strength, passion, dedication and determination that BJ showed while training and actually physically running. To read more about BJ and his story, visit his website.
Congratulations, BJ! YES YOU CAN! |
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Feature: The Center of Hope |
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The Center of Hope Foundation, Inc. (CoHF) is a non-profit
agency serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and is one of the 18 Chapters of the Arc in Massachusetts and 600 in the country; the oldest and largest organization serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Our Chapter has supported people since 1956, currently serving over 500 families in 64 towns in South Central Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut. Our 4 highly sought-after day habilitation programs provide services and supports to individuals with varying levels of disabilities focusing on community involvement, increasing independence
through life skills, and developing individuals’ self-esteem and confidence. Beyond the day programs we have a thriving, comprehensive vocational program which provides 184 people with job training, community placement, internships, and employment in several of our own small businesses. Our agency businesses provide services that are
highly valued by the broader community and provide critical resources to the CoHF. Together we all help people with disabilities lead the most meaningful and independent lives possible by providing hope and opportunity.
The CoHF is a well-respected and vital part of our community. Staff and program members volunteer hundreds of hours each year at the local hospital, as well as serving on town committees, boards of directors, Chambers of Commerce, and other business groups.
We have built and strengthened our agency to foster hope and continue to hope for the well-being of our families, caring relationships, financial wholeness, health, and productivity. We hope for the prosperity of our friends, neighbors, and community. We even hope for peace and stability for the larger world around us. This hope drives the agency to continue with our mission to support people with disabilities and their families from diverse backgrounds, providing them with the resources, services, and opportunities needed to be contributing members of their communities and to achieve the most fulfilling and meaningful lives possible.
We have been friends with the Hoyt family for many years and have always admired what they have done to raise awareness and really change the world for people with disabilities. It is supporters like the Hoyt Foundation who help us provide this hope and make a difference every day and our agency and we consider ourselves truly fortunate to have the support from each and every one of you. Support provided by the Hoyt Foundation directly impacts unfunded programs such as Holiday Giving, clothing
assistance, food pantry and emergency relief. We are able to provide Thanksgiving meals to 150 families each year and gifts to 500 families in our community around the Holidays. Additionally, funds are used to directly support our programs through community outings, technology, curricular materials and development in programs. If you would like to learn more about the Center of Hope, please feel free to contact us
directly.
Center of Hope Foundation
PO Box 66, 100 Foster Street
Southbridge, MA 01550
(508) 764-4085
www.thecenterofhope.org
info@thecenterofhope.org |
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