CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The local nonprofit American Mobility Project was founded in 2019 by husband and wife Gary and Mari Linfoot, along with their friend Bob Hyde.
Gary, an Army veteran and helicopter pilot, served with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment at Fort Campbell. In 2008, his helicopter crash-landed in Iraq, and he suffered injuries that left him paralyzed below the waist. He retired in 2010.
In 2019, the Linfoot family received a new home in Adams from the Gary Sinise Foundation.
Through generous veteran’s organizations, Gary Linfoot also received advanced mobility equipment. “Immediately I received this high-speed wheelchair called an iBOT, and it uses Segway technology. It acts as a normal power chair and has limited off-road capability, I call it four-wheel drive. It also has the ability go up and down stairs,” Gary Linfoot said.
The most unique feature about the iBOT is that it will stand up and balance on two wheels and bring the user up to about 6 feet tall.
Inspired to help others
Shortly after that, they formed American Mobility Project and began helping people with disabilities. “We thought we have been given so much, we would like to give back somehow. We started out with the goal of raising funds for one iBOT chair for a young girl here in Clarksville,” Linfoot said.
They have now raised funds for 38 iBOT chairs and helped three people with adapting their vehicles. Their work has also provided seven trackchairs, 12 versions of adaptive cycles, a couple of all-terrain stroller type wheelchairs, along with other miscellaneous equipment.
“We’re just so thankful for the support of our donors, and we couldn’t do without them,” Mari Linfoot said. “The majority of our recipients are in the local area, and we do try to focus money that comes in locally, absolutely keeping that in the local area.
“While our equipment that we give out is state-of-the-art and the latest in technology, it’s really not about the equipment – it’s about the opportunities that it provides,” Mari Linfoot said.
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The devices help some people that have been able to go back to work, and some that can now choose whatever college they want because they can get around campus. It’s also about families being able to take adventures together without having to pay for the equipment.
How you can help
The sixth annual Fundraising Banquet for the American Mobility Project is set for Tuesday, Feb. 25, from 6-8 p.m. at the Wilma Rudolph Event Center. Tickets for the banquet are complimentary with RSVP, and dinner will be provided. The event will also feature a silent and live auction.
To learn more about the organization, make a donation or to sign up for the fundraising event go to americanmobilityproject.org or email keaton@AmericanMobilityProject.org.
Giving Grace, sponsored by Grace Dental, is a Clarksville Now series showcasing local nonprofit organizations.