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SALT LAKE CITY -- Run entirely on donations for 43 years, the Special Olympics is fund-raising through March. Donations will be help the program continue to provide opportunities for the mentally impaired athletes to socialize and compete.
The Utah Special Olympics CEO Amy Hansen talked about the different fund-raising opportunities that will be taking place this month. The program has managed to raise $1.4 million annually through donations and resources.
"Harmons is our biggest sponsor," said Hansen. "And volunteers will be selling root beer floats in front of various Harmons stores throughout the state on Friday nights and Saturdays through the month of March."
- Visit sout.org and make an online contribution. They also accept gifts of cash or checks.
- Sponsor an event
- Attend an events and buy a ticket or raise funds.
- Be one of more than 5,000 volunteers at the Special Olympics
- Make a planned gift to support Special Olympics Utah in perpetuity.
- Visit a Harmons store during the month of March and buy an icon, a root beer float from one of the athletes or stock up on frozen food.
Harmons has also agreed to donate a percentage from the frozen foods that they sell during March.
The fund-raising for the Special Olympics is vital to the program. According to Hansen, the last five years the funding has been tight. When she became the Utah Special Olympics CEO ten months ago, Hansen noticed that every year the funds had "started in the red, and (we) had to play catch-up over the year."
Because of their tight budget, the Special Olympics has had to cut back a few state competitions.
"We didn't host the statewide bowling event (this year)," Hansen said. "We focused on local events." The Southern Utah region has 1500 bowlers, and were able to host a local competition.
But Hansen remains positive about the Special Olympics program in Utah. "We have a strategic plan in place, and we are doing the best job we can with the funds we have," she said.
Hansen said the changes that have been implemented will benefit the organization. "We have made changes over the past year, all of which make our organization a stronger and tighter entity that will be here for all of the athletes we currently serve, and the many individuals who need our services."
Judith Jolley, Head of Delegation for Snow Canyon has been involved with the Special Olympics program for the past 8 years in St. George. Jolley helps to oversee the registration, training, practices, equipment, and fundraising for 50 athletes -- one of which is her own son.
We have a strategic plan in place, and we are doing the best job we can with the funds we have.
–-Amy Hansen, Utah Special Olympics CEO
Jolley is also hopeful for the March fund-raising projects, and the new Utah CEO of the Special Olympics. "We have new people on board so we are hoping it is on the up-and-up," Jolley said.
Jolley also talked about the importance of the Special Olympics for the athletes. "It really gives them a sense of belonging and pride," Jolley said. "Socialization is also a big deal. They gain a lot of self esteem (from the competitions) and watching them shine the way they do is amazing."
The athletes receive a lot of health benefits from the competitions. Along with helping them to remain active, they have the "Healthy Athlete" program where competitors can receive free hearing exams and other checkups.
Jolley's 21-year-old son, Jordan, has been involved in the competitions for the past ten years. Born with Mosaic Trisyme (an 8th chromozone), Jolley has seen how being involved in the Special Olympics has helped Jordan.
"He is already very social, but for him it's more physical activity," Jolley said. "It helps him all around -- muscle coordination, hand/eye coordination, and learning how to play on a team. He has learned proper relationship skills as well."
With the impact and opportunity that the Special Olympics program has for these athletes, many are eager for the program to continue running strong. Donations can be made on their website and also through the local events and fund-raisers.
Some of the ways individuals and companies can share in the success of Utah Special Olympics: · Visit our website at sout.org and make an online and secure contribution. We also accept gifts of cash or checks.
· Sponsor one of our events, opportunities exist and can be customized for a range of events and activities.
· Attend one of our events and buy a ticket or raise funds. Our Hall of Fame and Polar Plunges both offer those kinds of opportunities.
· Volunteer! Special Olympics utilizes over 5,000 volunteers each year, find out how at sout.org. It is fun and life-changing.
· Make a planned gift to support Special Olympics Utah in perpetuity.
· Visit a Harmons store during the month of March and buy an icon, a root beer float from one of our athletes or stock up on frozen food.
