36th Annual ROTH Conference
FORGING A LEGACY OF INCLUSION:
ROTH continues to invest in a meaningful partnership with CAF
Blog by: Christy Fritts
In the landscape of philanthropy and corporate partnerships, some alliances transcend the ordinary and hold a lasting impact. The collaboration between the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) and ROTH Capital Partners began as a connection between Duane Roth, a visionary at Sports Innovators and NBA legend Bill Walton, which had blossomed into a powerful force for good, transforming lives and communities.
Duane Roth had a strong passion for sports and philanthropy which intersected in a tragic but transformative event 10 years ago when he lost his life in a cycling accident during a CAF event. In response to this devastating loss, the Roth family established the Duane Roth Legacy Fund, dedicated to supporting CAF’s mission of empowering athletes with physical disabilities, a cause Duane held close to his heart.
The Roth brothers—Ted, Byron, and Gordon —have since become integral figures in the CAF community, committed to honoring Duane’s legacy and championing the organization’s cause. For over a decade, CAF has been the official charity of the prestigious annual ROTH Conference, now in its 36th year.
This partnership not only pays tribute to Duane’s memory but also reflects a shared commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. The support of CAF has extended to the next generation of Roth’s. Ted’s daughter, Kristin Roth DeClark, co-chaired CAF’s San Francisco gala last year, and will chair the 2024 event again in May.
Over the past 13 years, their combined efforts have raised $1.7 million for CAF, fueling programs and initiatives that empower CAF athletes worldwide.
The 36th Annual ROTH Conference was March 17-19 at the luxurious Ritz-Carlton in Laguna Niguel, and the weekend was filled with inspiration, camaraderie, and purpose. As a part of the conference, participants joined sports activities and supported CAF. With a $250 donation (matched by Roth Capital), guests could participate in a 40-mile scenic bike ride for the annual Duane Roth Legacy Ride, and join activities like yoga, outdoor spin class and a pickleball tournament, all supporting CAF’s mission. The funds raised from generous donations provide funding for adaptive sports equipment like running prosthetics, handcycles, tennis wheelchairs, coaching, training, and competition travel for over 100 different sports.
Central to the weekend’s festivities were the voices and stories of CAF athletes, Willie Stewart, Landis Sims, Michelle Pinard, Anthony Pone and Kevin Keegan, each sharing their journeys of triumph over adversity.
This year, CAF proudly supports rising stars on their journey to the Summer Paralympics in Paris. Since 1994, CAF has raised over $177 Million, fulfilled over 44,000 funding requests for athletes with permanent physical disabilities, and impacted millions more lives across 50 states and 73 countries.
In honoring Duane Roth’s legacy and the enduring partnership between CAF and ROTH, we are building a world where every individual can unleash their full potential regardless of ability. Together, we stride forward, inspired by the past, and fueled by the promise of a brighter, more inclusive future.
