Fundraiser For ILC (Tom's Project)

Volunteer Annoucment: If anyone is interested in helping schedule a fundraiser in the Anchorage/Girdwood Area (showing these three awesome films in the next few weeks) to help support Tom's goals and projects at the ILC, please write: Friendsoftombeatty@hotmail.com and we will put you on a list serve for this project.

Documenting the determination of human spirit
• Films tell remarkable stories of individuals overcoming disability to reach their dreams

By Sean Pearson
Homer Tribune
October 24, 2007

Photo by Thomas Sly
James Lilly, racing in the 2005 Chicago Marathon, was paralyzed at the age of 15 following a gang-related shootout. Lilly started wheelchair racing in 1990, and has competed in the Sadler's Midnite Challenge race from Fairbanks to Anchorage eight times.

In an effort to celebrate the accomplishments of persons with disabilities, and follow through with plans set in motion by Recreation Director Tom Beatty, the Homer Independent Living Center will present three films tomorrow featuring the remarkable perseverance and resolve of the human spirit.
Beatty died Sept. 30 from injuries he suffered in a plane crash.
“This was actually Tom’s project, so we dedicated it to his memory,” explained Jim Brady at ILC. “He wanted to do some kind of small fundraiser before the main one we do in April. Since his focus was on recreation and disabilities, this seemed like a perfect opportunity.”
Beatty organized the showing of three films at the Homer Theatre, and had also scheduled wheelchair athlete James Lilly to introduce the film, “Pushin’ Forward” – a documentary about his life. Lilly is unable to attend due to personal reasons, however, the short film festival will continue with a surfeit of inspirational stories.
“Tom chose the films to highlight the achievements of extraordinary individuals who pursued and achieved their dreams,” Brady said. “All three films feature people who accomplished remarkable athletic achievements in spite of what most people would call physical limitations.”

“Pushin’ Forward” Fomer gang member, started wheelchair racing and then moved into ultra challenge..overcomed odds and achived goals--inspirational
“Farther Than the Eye Can See,” tells the story of blind climber Erik Weinhenmayer and his historic ascent of Mount Everest.
“Mountains Without Barriers,” is a 24-minute film featuring extraordinary people, revolutionary technologies and a one-of-a-kind climbing adventure.