Baird Foundation Annual Report Imagine More: 2016 | Page 11

ACHILLES INTERNATIONAL NASHVILLE, TN The hustle and bustle of New York City streets on any given day can be overwhelming. Now imagine navigating through 50,000 people on a 26.2 mile journey as a guide for a blind athlete in your first marathon. Frank Downey, Senior Investment Consultant in Nashville, calls it a “personal highlight.” Frank is an active participant and treasurer of Achilles International, a nonprofit organization that enables people with all types of disabilities to participate in mainstream running events. “Frank’s dedication and positive spirit are truly what make our organization so amazing,” said Carrie Redmon, executive director of Achilles International Nashville. “We are incredibly thankful to have him as one of our own.” If you ask Achilles volunteers why they do it, you’ll hear the same answer over and over: They get as much as they give and more. In addition to being an athlete’s eyes and ears during a race, they are their motivator. “These are amazing people that accomplish amazing things,” said Frank. “And they’ve become close friends, too.” THESE ARE AMAZING PEOPLE THAT ACCOMPLISH AMAZING THINGS. AND THEY’VE BECOME CLOSE FRIENDS, TOO. FRANK DOWNEY SENIOR INVESTMENT CONSULTANT, NASHVILLE Frank Downey (right) guides a blind athlete to the finish line of the New York City Marathon.