High school student Claire Moreno of Salisbury was hoping to raise enough money for TEAM 360 to purchase one specialized racing chair for adaptive athletes. But what started out as a modest campaign by the young lady who says “public speaking is my weakness” brought in enough funds to purchase five of the special jogging chairs used by local athletes.

Salisbury-based TEAM 360 is a non-profit organization that helps those who are “differently-abled” compete in mainstream athletic events, primarily running. The volunteers who push the racing chairs are called wingmen and the individual being pushed is considered the athlete. Through her solo efforts, Claire raised a whopping $20,000. All the money was locally raised, and it will all be used for local efforts.

“I am, in the best way possible, dumbfounded by the generosity of the community,” she told me this week. Contributions came in from individuals and groups for the project, all adding up to that big amount that will make a difference in the lives of many. 

She started more than a year ago writing a project proposal for her 4H club, hoping to raise a few thousand dollars by reaching out to the community through emails, public presentations and fliers. Her project, titled “United We Grow,” is the crowning achievement for 4H, called the Diamond Clover Level 6, which can be compared to achieving the Eagle Rank status in Boy Scouts. The proposal had to include how the community would benefit and had a three-part approval process from the local club to the state level.

According to the application, “the project must be large enough in scale or scope to demonstrate an investment of time and effort that will result in sustained community benefits.”  

That’s exactly why Claire chose this project. TEAM 360 uses several types of racing chairs, but the one Claire wanted to purchase was the team’s favorite – the “green rocket.” This particular chair is more comfortable for athletes of all sizes (kids and adults) and is much easier for a wingman to push and maneuver. TEAM 360 participates in distance races from 5Ks to marathons, and each athlete is typically accompanied by a team of two or three wingmen. 

TEAM 360 by its nature is about accessibility and inclusion and these larger, more comfortable chairs ensure that “everyone has a place at every event,” Claire explained.

Once her proposal was approved, Claire began calling and emailing local civic groups and organizations to explain her fundraiser. She designed fliers, made a PowerPoint presentation, and carried her tri-fold display board everywhere. She was invited to the local Knights of Columbus, the Salisbury Rotary Club, the Wicomico Rotary Club and the Rockawalkin Ruritan Club. One of the mottos in 4H is “learn by doing” and that describes the entire project. She learned how to write a grant for the fundraiser, and was awarded that by Choptank Electric. Claire, homeschooled since first grade, was also able to use the in-depth project for school work. She will be a senior this fall. 



Claire said she wanted to make a special mention to thank Steve Miller, director of Recreation, Parks & Tourism for Wicomico County who connected her to members of the Salisbury Rotary Club. She spoke fondly of the group inviting her to return for a presentation to receive their donation check.

Besides fundraising for the racing chairs, getting the word out about TEAM 360 was equally important to Claire. Her interest in the organization goes back to when her family volunteered with a previous similar group, Athletes Serving Athletes, here on the shore. Her parents, David and Stephanie, sister, and her aunt and uncle, Terry and Kim Moreno, all volunteered with ASA, and now TEAM 360.  Claire wasn’t even a runner when she began volunteering, but seeing what the group was about pulled her in and now she is a wingman herself. She and her dad often start their day with a 5 a.m. run together.

Jill Fears, president of TEAM 360, said she is excited about the new chairs because they are so much better for wingman and athletes. She described Claire: “She has a gift and a passion, she is incredibly compassionate, she is kind and empathetic,” she said. Fears said the five new chairs are expected to arrive in September, just in time for the fall racing season. The group races year-round, and are always looking for new wingman and athletes to participate. You can find more information at their Facebook page and their website. Running speed is secondary, too, Fears pointed out. Some teams even walk. The goal of TEAM 360 is to see athletes participate in events normally closed to them.

Claire has run several races this year as a wingman and more are planned.  With these new chairs, “everyone who wants to be able to participate can,” she explained. “Crossing the finish line is an amazing feeling and knowing you helped someone is every better.”

Maybe even five times better.