By Vega
On Saturday, June 28, come bring your family to the first annual Rising Tribe Event. The event, hosted by Gary Xavier, former marine sniper and current resilience speaker, co-sponsored by First Tee of Northern Nevada and Catholic Charities, is a five-mile military style charity hike designed to bring families together in an effort to serve the needs of those less fortunate.
Xavier, a former sniper scout in the U.S. Marine Corp, having experienced loss at the age of 15 when his father passed, found himself in trouble with the law and generally heading down a dark path. After his run in with the law, he realized he needed structure. The marine core provided that and in turn created in Xavier a desire to continue living the “Semper Fi” lifestyle. The idea of unity expressed in the motto and his desire to never give up no matter how uncomfortable it gets, taught him the value of growth through perseverance.
“Come travel towards the uncomfortable,” invites Xavier. He wants to encourage families in the community to take an active part in the service experience. “It’s not enough that a family can pack up some unwanted items and simply drop them off at the local charity.” This military hike allows the whole family to participate in the giving/service experience.
The five mile hike will feature families carrying donated items on their back, from McQueen High School to the downtown Catholic Charities location. The hike, similar to a traditional army march, where soldiers march two-by-two with a heavy payload, will travel down 7th street to the charity location on 4th street.
The hike is designed to be multifaceted. One, being a public event, it brings awareness to the community. Two, the participating families will be involved, “marching” side-by-side, with young and old all bearing the load of donated items. Xavier believes that carrying the donated items on your back can turn into a real “teachable moment,” allowing even young members of a family to feel involved in serving another human being.
“The value of the family doing something uncomfortable together” is unmeasurable, according to Xavier.
Xavier is working in conjunction with The First Tee, a non-profit organization that uses golf to teach life lessons to youth.
“So often non-profits get the chance to work with youth but not the whole family unit,” said Xavier. This event brings together families for a common cause. Xavier’s military experience has taught him that when a person is in service to another, the best in a person comes to the surface. “I don’t think there is nothing more valuable that a family can do together.”
The event starts at 6:30 a.m. at McQueen High School. The event is free to the public. Interested participants can register early by contacting Gary Xavier using the information below. Participating familie sare asked to bring hygiene and non-perishable food items to be donated, along with a sturdy backpack for the hike.
For more information contact:
Contact: Gary J. Xavier, Event Director
The Blade Group LLC
900 Sacramento Ave | #615
West Sacramento, CA 95605
Direct: 775.846-9641
