For Becca Ward powerlifting isn’t just about strength; it’s about resilience, discipline, and community. As a personal trainer and physical therapist, she saw clear parallels between physical strength and mental wellbeing.
Becca Ward (center), with FSC’s Rachel Adams (left) and her teammate Ayanda Mutere.
Chicago Pulls for Hope grew from that connection, an idea to channel her passion for powerlifting into a shared act of support for mental health.
From one conversation to one big idea
One of Becca’s clients at Iron Mind Rehab and Performance is Rachel Adams, a clinician at FSC. During their sessions, the two talked about how much Rachel loved her new career. She spoke about the culture at FSC, the impact of the work, and what it meant to be part of an organization so deeply committed to families’ mental health and wellbeing.
When another client suggested Becca host a fundraiser during Mental Health Awareness Month, the idea clicked. Becca didn’t have fundraising experience. She had never organized a powerlifting meet. But she did have a community, a desire to champion better access to mental health support, and a willingness to try something new.
A format built for everyone
That spark led to Chicago Pulls for Hope, a deadlift-only, team-based powerlifting event that raised $30,000 in its very first year, tripling its original goal. Participants didn’t need to be elite lifters or seasoned fundraisers. Teams collected pledges per pound lifted, and the winning team wasn’t the strongest — it was the one that raised the most support.
A packed room, a shared purpose, and a welcoming environment
The format made the event accessible, welcoming first-time lifters alongside experienced powerlifters. It emphasized community and personal achievement over competition — all while directly supporting FSC families.
Passion meets purpose
Since then, Becca has continued to show what’s possible when passion meets purpose. A second fundraiser, Chicago Reps for Rights, raised $113,000, well beyond the initial $20,000 goal.
In May, Chicago Pulls for Hope returns on Mother’s Day Weekend, offering another chance to participate at whatever level feels right: lifting, cheering, volunteering, or supporting from afar.
In this season when many of us think about wellness and strength, Becca’s story is also a reminder that you don’t need fundraising expertise to make a difference.
If you have an idea about how your passion could turn into support for FSC, reach out to FSC at development@familyservicecenter.org. Learn more about Becca’s services at Iron Mind Rehab and Chicago Pulls for Hope here.
