Track Chair Donated to Gulf State Park by USA Fraternity

Luke Sparkman, Director of Philanthropy and Alumni Relations for the chapter, said he wanted to do something different with the fraternity's most recent fundraising efforts.

"In previous years, those funds were sent to a national organization, and we never really saw the fruits of our labor," Sparkman said. "We made the decision to partner with State Parks this year to have something tangible, something we could see locally. Our chapter really bought into the vision that we had, and we've been able to raise more than $20,000 this year, which is exceptionally better than what we've done in years past.

"To be able to put a track chair at Gulf State Park for not only wounded veterans but all people with mobility issues is something that our members can go and see whenever they're visiting the area."

Jeb Shell, CFO with Hargrove Engineers & Constructors and an alumnus of the USA chapter, echoed Sparkman's sentiment about keeping the donation local.

"Back when I was in school, we would raise money for a national charity, send off a check and that was the end of it," Shell said. "These guys were leaders and said they wanted to do something locally that makes an impact. Giving this track chair to Gulf State Park is something that's tangible. Giving locally will also help the chapter raise corporate and foundation dollars and deliver even more track chairs. I'm very proud of these guys for taking the initiative to do that. I don't see this as being the last one."

Hunter Fairchild, KA chapter president, said the USA chapter has 41 current members with 20 pledges, which is the largest the chapter has ever been. He also said it's the first time the chapter has donated something like a track chair.

"It's a big year for the Epsilon Alpha Chapter of the Kappa Alpha Order," Fairchild said. "Everything over the past year has increased, including retention rate, membership growth and philanthropy.

"The donation of the track chair has been a long time coming. As we grow, it becomes a more achievable goal every year. We're definitely going to look at donating another track chair next year. As we grow, we hope to help more veterans and people with disabilities."

Alabama State Parks Director Matthew Capps said the donation was used to purchase an Action Trackchair Axis 40, which is the latest model available with the most capabilities. The chair has improved comfort for longer use, improved performance for longer distances, a wide track to ensure a stable ride over uneven terrain, and built-in vibration dampeners to improve ride quality.

Capps said the recent track chair donation brings the total number available in the State Parks System to three.

"We have one at Oak Mountain State Park, one at Lakepoint State Park and now Gulf State Park," Capps said. "We also have several GRIT bikes at Gulf State Park that allow you to use your arms and hands to pump and make it move. We also have two Cascade Tandem hiking carts that allow youths with mobility issues to explore the trails at Monte Sano and DeSoto State Parks. We're trying to make our parks more accessible. This is one thing we can do to further that initiative."

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