August 24, 2014

August 1, 2014

Stamford, CT – July 11th, 2014 – Half Full Brewery (“Half Full”) is excited to announce that its first annual Hop, Skip & A Run 5K has raised nearly $5,000 for the CT Chapter of Achilles International. 100% of beer sales and 50% of the net proceeds from the event were donated to the charity whose mission is to ‘enable people with all types of disabilities to participate in mainstream athletics in order to promote personal achievement, enhance self esteem, and lower barriers to living a fulfilling life.’ 

“We had a great turnout with 271 runners and over 400 total attendees on the day.” said Jordan Giles, Chief Beer Organizer at the Half Full Brewery. “Our goal is to grow this event year after year, in turn raising larger amounts of money for Achilles International as time goes on. We are already looking forward to next year and we feel we have only scratched the surface of what’s possible with this event. 

Hop, Skip & A Run’s unique format, where runners were encouraged to hop and skip during a small portion of the course, was designed in part to show able-bodied participants what some Achilles International athletes are challenged with in order to compete. The run’s unique format coupled with a post run beer festival provided for a fun, social environment where the money raised for charity was equally as important as each participants final time on the clock. 

“Achilles International CT Chapter is indebted to Half Full Brewery for selecting us as the charity recipient for the inaugural Hop, Skip & a Run 5K.” Said Erin Spaulding, CT Chapter President. “Not only did we raise awareness of athletes with disabilities, we also secured much-needed funds to help those athletes accomplish their dreams. A portion of the money raised will be used to financially support 8 Achilles team members who are currently training for this year’s New York City Marathon, We are proud to call Half Full Brewery our community partner and look forward to next year’s event!” 

About Achilles International:

In 1976, Dick Traum, an above the knee amputee, found himself approaching middle age and out of shape. After joining a local YMCA, Dick began running – small distances at first and then, eventually several miles. Within a year, Dick became the first amputee to run the New York City Marathon. The experience was life changing, bringing a powerful sense of achievement and self-esteem. In 1983, seeking to provide that same opportunity to other people with disabilities, Dick created the Achilles Track Club, now called Achilles International. Today, this non-profit organization has chapters and members in over 65 locations within the United States and abroad.

About Half Full Brewery:

At Half Full Brewery we’re passionate about dreams. Big Dreams. Like, build a brewery big. And we know firsthand that when you’re chasing down a dream, with a glass Half Full, you can’t lose. Want to experience our dream and start thinking about yours? Visit our Stamford, CT facility and see what’s brewing. Operating hours, events, and information on where you can find our beers on tap are available at halffullbrewery.com and on our Facebook page at facebook.com/halffullbrewery. Come visit, and as always, look forward to more, more artfully crafted beers, more inspiring stories, and more refreshing experiences. More Half Full!

July 13, 2014  |  by WHITNEY WARD & KREM.com  of KREM.com

Click here to Vote for Mindy Dentler for an Espy!

SPOKANE, Wash.—Online voting ends July 16 for a Spokane woman who is nominated for one of the highest honors in the sport world.

Minda Dentler is a paraplegic tri-athlete from Spokane and she is also up for an ESPY Award. 

Polio changed Dentler’s life when she was just six months old. 

Three years later, Dentler was adopted. Her birth mother left her at an orphanage because she could no longer take care of her. She left Indian and was raised in Spokane by Dr. Bruce Dentler and his wife Ann. 

“She’d been in a sitting position for about a year,” Ann Dentler told KREM 2 News. “It caused all of her ligaments to shorten and contract.”

As a result, Minda endured painful surgeries, but eventually learned to walk with the help of crutches and leg braces. She remembered watching her brothers and sister take part in sports and wondering how it would feel to actually be in the race.

“I always, I guess, participated from the sidelines,” said Minda. “I would cheer on my three siblings. I volunteered for a number of races, including Bloomsday, and I always thought how awesome it would be to participate or compete, but I wasn’t sure how I was going to do it.”

However, it was not until Minda grew up and moved to New York City that she was introduced to Achilles International, an organization which enables athletes with disabilities. 

That is when Minda took to hand-cycling, which then grew into full triathlons. In 2012, she qualified for the ironman competition. 

“I didn’t finish,” she added, I was actually about two hours off pace and so I had to quit in the middle. I regrouped and tried to figure out a way to train differently, harder– to get my mind right, and my body right, so I could finish the race.”

In 2013, Minda not only finished, she won her division. Minda is now one of four finalist for an ESPY Award. 

“I actually don’t know how I got nominated,” Minday told KREM 2 News. “I just received an email that said you’ve been nominated. “

Minda might be surprised, but her parents always knew she was destined for great things.

“When you adopt children, people often look at you admiringly, like how much you’re doing for that child,” said Minda’s father Bruce,” and I think what became apparent to me as a parent is that we got so much more out of Minda.

“We’ve always expected that her determination and personality would take her lots of places,” said Ann. 

However, whether or not Minda wins an ESPY, she knows she has already won. 

“It makes me feel good to know people are kind of watching me,” said Minda, “and maybe taking on things they thought they couldn’t do.”