William (Billy) Fierstein, Sean Greenspan, and Jason Heyn Our three man team of childhood friends will be attempting the 4 State Challenge Hike. Our goal is to hike 44 miles of the Appalachian Trail over the course of 24 hours. We will begin our hike on December 29, 2020 at Pen Mar County Park in Pennsylvania, moving through Maryland, West Virginia, and finishing at the Weverton Cliffs parking lot in Virginia on December 30, 2020. We want to partner with the Special Olympics to raise money as we attempt this feat. The three of us are lifelong athletes who grew up playing recreational and team sports. Being an athlete and part of teams has taught us invaluable lessons such as the importance of teamwork, goal setting, and determination. As a Special Educator in the public school system, I have seen firsthand how budget cuts and a lack of access to resources for individuals with differing abilities can negatively impact these young adults. Too often these programs are unavailable or too costly for many families and a whole population of people are missing out on the benefits of sports because of it. We believe that the Special Olympics provides a service that has an immeasurable impact on their athletes, families, and friends in the community. Sports bring together a diverse group of people promoting friendships and relationships rarely cultivated in other areas of life. We believe we have an opportunity to highlight the amazing work done by the Special Olympics organization; by pushing ourselves physically, in turn, our friends and family will push themselves to donate to this great cause!

The purpose of this fundraiser is to honor our son, Dave Engle, who recently passed away. Dave was always an advocate for the disabled and he often volunteered at Special Olympic Events in Maryland, as a student at Virginia Tech, and as a volunteer in Phoenix. Pictured above is Dave with his cousin Nathan who was a Special Olympics Softball Player in Maryland. Please help keep his influence a lasting legacy by considering donating to this wonderful organization.

For my Bat Mitzvah project, I decided to raise money for the Special Olympics. When choosing what I wanted my project to be, I knew I wanted to donate to those with special needs. The reason I chose this specific organization is because every Sunday in Fall and Spring, I volunteer at a track program called “Shooting Stars”. Shooting Stars is a program where children with special needs participate in various track related activities. The children are very engaged and always excited to be there. The Special Olympics provides opportunities for people with special needs to participate in sports, just like the opportunity Shooting Stars gives the children to participate in track. If you are interested in contributing to my project, please press the link to donate to the Special Olympics organization.

Experiencing the joy and inclusion the Special Olympics organization offered my loved one touched my heart. Learning the organizations purpose for changing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities in every corner of the earth is inspiring. I wanted to give back in anyway I could, so I teamed up with other professionals with this same passion. Hear this call to action for raising funds for the Special Olympics. Support these gladiators today!

Hi All! I'm competing in the Wisconsin Ironman on September 10th to raise money for the Special Olympics. The Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. Thanks!Hank

Support the Special Olympics and help athletes of all abilities achieve their dreams. Your donation fuels inclusion, acceptance, and the power of sport. Join us in creating a world where every athlete can shine.

A donation to this amazing organization would mean the world to both Tessa and Will. An organization that inspires us, and serves as a great reminder that there is beauty in this world

Hi, my name is Hailey Smolanoff, head of the Hailey's Shooting Stars team. On May 20, 2023, I am making my Bat Mitzvah and I am so excited. A Bat Mitzvah is when a 13-year-old Jewish girl is seen as an “adult” in her community. Part of being an “adult” is not just thinking of oneself, but of others as well. A demonstration of this is through a mitzvah project. Cheerleading is a HUGE part of my life. I’m a very active person, love sports, and have a huge support system through my cheer family and close friends. Therefore, for my mitzvah project, I have chosen to share in the joy of giving back by forming a team (Hailey’s Shooting Stars) and will be hosting a Hoop-A-Thon in my town to raise money for the Special Olympics. I’ve chosen the Special Olympics because I would love nothing more than to help those who may have a physical or mental obstacle be given the opportunity to share in the same joy and love I have for cheer and many of the other sports I’ve played, as well as be a part of a team who loves and respects you unconditionally. I’d like to sincerely thank my CMS Cheer Family, my unbelievable friend group, my amazing family, and all those who choose to pledge and support my team as we work towards our goal!!!

Special Olympics is a global organization that serves athletes with intellectual disabilities, working with hundreds of thousands of volunteers and coaches each year. Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continued opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, form healthy lifestyles, achieve success, and experience the joy of sports. Registered athletes are never asked to pay a fee of any kind to participate in Special Olympics. Everything is provided for them including athletic uniforms, awards, sports training, competition facilities, coaches’ education, transportation, and much more. I am fortunate to be working with the Special Olympics organization for over 3 years now as a football and basketball coach. Being a fitness and sports enthusiast, I would like to make a difference within the sports world, especially for the disadvantaged, and Special Olympics is providing me the opportunity to do so. I sincerely thank you for the donations. Your donations will help carry the flame of hope for the participating athletes.Thank you, Aditya

I support Special Olympics for my brother, Joshua, who has Cerebral Palsy. He has been involved with Special Olympics for nearly 30 years as an athlete in track, bowling and swimming. He will represent Special Olympics USA this June in the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, Germany, competing in bowling. Josh is not only my baby brother but he also got the voice in the family and is a very talented singer and has performed the United States national anthem at a United States Embassy event hosted in the Philippines and at the opening ceremony for the summer games in South Carolina where the local news featured him in their broadcast. The phrase, “be brave in the attempt,” of the Special Olympics athlete oath has changed Josh’s life, reminding him that his disabilities are also his greatest strengths. This is an amazing organization and I am very proud to support it, along with my family. Please consider donating to help all of these wonderful people " be brave in the attempt".

Pratik Prajapati In honor of Mary Banovetz's retirement after 29 years with the Department Of Psychiatry, we would like to request your kind contribution to Mary's charity of choice. Your donation would be greatly appreciated as we celebrate Mary's legacy and a long list of accomplishments.

Tell your story here. Why did you choose to raise money for the Special Olympics? What is the special occasion for which you are raising money - birthday, bar or bat mitzvah, wedding, anniversary, etc? What made you decide on the Special Olympics as the beneficiary? Be as specific and compelling as possible.

I learned about the Special Olympics when I was in first grade, the same year I began my taekwondo journey. I want to help all kids, regardless of ability or disability, to gain the same love of sports that I have. This summer I will be testing for my First Degree Black Belt and part of that involves a service project. I’ve chosen to raise money for the Special Olympics to help other kids fall in love with sports just like I have. I will collecting donation until June 15. Please consider supporting my service project to help this great organization!

Tell your story here. Why did you choose to raise money for the Special Olympics? What is the special occasion for which you are raising money - birthday, bar or bat mitzvah, wedding, anniversary, etc? What made you decide on the Special Olympics as the beneficiary? Be as specific and compelling as possible.

The Special Olympics was near and dear to Glenda’s heart because her grandson Tommy Merino has participated in several events over the years and they, no doubt shared a special bond. Our family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to the Special Olympics in memory of Glenda Maraldo.

Good morning. I am making this post as I walk out the door to take a great big bite out of my slice of life. Today I will start a 100-mile ultramarathon (GULP!) at Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham, AL. I hope to punctuate 2022 and 2023 with exclamation points by running out of one year and into another. Such a feat has been a goal of mine for years, and after months of training, today I will try to make it a reality. Whether I cover the distance is less important than making the effort to do so. I simply must try, and I am grateful for the support and encouragement that Lori and my family have provided. Ultrarunning can be a selfish sport. It takes a lot of time away from family and commands discipline. To make this challenge less selfish, every mile that I cover will increase my contribution to the Special Olympics in the memory and honor of Samuel Hurt. Last year, my friend and co-worker named Brian Hurt and his family unexpectedly lost their teenage son, Samuel Hurt. Samuel was an avid supporter of the Special Olympics and the ideals it embodies. My goal is to raise funds supporting the Special Olympics in Samuel’s honor as a tribute to him and his volunteerism for the Special Olympics. If you are so fortunate as to be able to support any charitable cause, I encourage you to make a contribution towards this fundraising effort (https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/SPECIAL/TroyMouton) OR the charity of your choice for each mile that I cover. Our combined efforts will create meaning from miles and breathe life into causes that need our collective support. I expect to see Lori periodically as this event unfolds, and she will share with me any observations about the causes that may benefit from this effort based on your comments and commitments. When the dust settles and I am able to share results, I will offer a race report that includes the miles completed should that distance impact any contribution you wish to make. Thank you for your consideration, support, and motivation to keep moving forward. Troy

Our Arrowhead Addict podcaster: Patrick “Joker” Allen has thrown down the gauntlet. If Arrowhead Addict nation can hit $1000 in donations and Kansas City wins the SuperBowl. He will get a tattooa joker card tattoo… In honor of his call sign “joker” and KC winning the Super Bowl!!!

I am so excited to be participating in the 2023 Chicago triathlon and even more excited for the opportunity to fundraiser for special Olympics! Getting involved in triathlons has reignited my love for sport and inclusion - something everyone should have access to. Special Olympics creates opportunities for us all to celebrate in sport. I am hoping to raise $500 by the race and hope you will support me in any way you can! Thank you so much! Luke

Hi Friends & Family! I wanted to get involved with giving back to the community, so together with a couple of my work friends, we've joined forces to participate in the Wheaton Hot Cider Hustle 5k Fun Walk on Saturday, October 29 . We are raising money for the Special Olympics, a not-for-profit organization offering year-round training and competition for athletes and young athletes with disabilities. This is especially dear to me because I believe in supporting community programs for people with disabilities, whether physical or intellectual or mental, seen and unseen, disclosed or undisclosed. You probably know someone that is living with a disability and they are in need of some type of support. Special Olympics programs enhance physical fitness, motor skills, self-confidence, social skills and encourage family and community support. If my team, The Good Witches, meets or exceeds our fundraising goals, we can apply for a fundraising grant through our company foundation to match our contributions. I hope you'll donate to our cause! No donation is too small! Thank you for all your support! Event info: https://allcommunityevents.com/hotciderhustle

Melanie Kobayashi Melanie was an incredible Special Education teacher for over 20 years. She loved her students and fought for them in every way possible. When we were thinking about a charity for people to donate to in her name, there was no doubt that The Special Olympics was the perfect organization. For those of you who who knew and loved Melanie, please make a donation in her name in lieu of flowers. Let's make a difference for these kids just as she would have wanted it! We love you Mel and you are forever in our hearts.

As I leave for the Naval Academy, I want to invite friends and family to donate to a cause I've always felt inclined to support... The Special Olympics. I have the utmost respect and admiration for the athletes of the Special Olympics and those with the Special Olympics in their dreams. I would love to see more equity between the Special Olympics and mainstream Olympics in my lifetime. I invite you to help "empower athletes to shatter stereotypes and exceed their personal bests on the playing field, in the pool and in life!" Thank you for your consideration.

Every basketball changes lives. Your gift today will give Special Olympics athletes the life-changing equipment they need to compete. Just $30 can help provide a basketball to a Special Olympics athlete! Every gift matters - because every gift gets an athlete off the sidelines. Don't miss this chance! Give today to help transform a Special Olympics athlete's life.

Since 1968, Special Olympics has offered a place of teamwork, leadership, and competition for those of us who struggle with intellectual disabilities. The organization works to bring a better, more inclusive tomorrow. At CSC, we too hope to bring about change in a positive way, and are often greeted with opportunities like this one to give back and make a difference. Through the power of sport, Special Olympics hopes to instill joy and confidence into each of the 200 million people who live with intellectual disabilities, while also encouraging physical fitness and good health. Please consider making a donation to support the tremendous strides Special Olympics continues to make toward a more accepting, inclusive world.

In memory of our sister, Kathleen Gibbons, we are raising funds for an organization that made a difference in her life. She won three Special Olympics medals in high school, helped dedicate a Special Olympics stamp, and was a friend of Tim Shriver, President of Special Olympics. Thank you for honoring her and helping other special people thrive.

Charity Fundraiser in Memory of Thomas Michel My nephew Thomas loved participating in the Special Olympics and tomorrow would have been his 41st birthday. So in his memory I will be doing a charity stream tomorrow 6/20 from 10 AM - 4 PM over at https://mixer.com/themaestro317 All proceeds will be donated to The Special Olympics at the end of the stream.

As of November 2nd I am asking that you go to https://give.classy.org/TWJosephSamuel to donate. Team Wisconsin would like all of the team members to fund raise on the same site. Thank you everyone! 100% of the money on either site will go to special olympics Joe

We're getting married! Help us share the love by making a donation to the Special Olympics!

Jean Corboy Tell your story here. Why did you choose to raise money for this cause . I’m special need my self. I want to do something for it . Be as specific and compelling as possible.

Hey friends, I care a lot about being helpful and kind to people that need help doing activities like sports and school. In my opinion everyone should be able to play a sport no matter what is stopping them. Instead of birthday presents for me please help donate money to help others be better at things they want to do. thanks. hudson

Hi, my name is Sarah Silver, and I will become a Bat Mitzvah on November 18, 2023. For my Bat Mitzvah project, I have decided to raise money for the Special Olympics. I developed a passion for swimming since I was little and I love watching sports, especially football. I thought it was perfect for me to raise money for the Special Olympics to help support their mission to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them the opportunity to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, and experience the joy of participating in a sport—just as I experience as a member of the JCC Barracudas swim team. To raise money, I will hold a Swim-a-Thon where I will swim 1,800 yards and am asking for a donation of at least 1 cent per yard ($18 total). I hope you will donate to my cause. Thank you!Sarah