Special Olympics Iowa needs extra help
Special Olympics Iowa can use donations and
volunteers to help keep the Special Olympics running smoothly.
There are many ways that a person may donate or volunteer.
Special Olympics Iowa needs help with donations
and individuals to volunteer.
A special wheelchair basketball game occurred last
spring to help raise money for Special Olympics Iowa. The Charity
event raised money for several beneficiaries including Special
Olympics Iowa.
The wheelchair game is one of only a few events
in the east central area that donates to Special Olympics Iowa. “There
are some [events] in the east central area, but not many,” said
Sally Briggs area director for Special Olympics Iowa. “I
know that I got a check last year from the activities.”
“ We also have a unified sports day program.” Rhonda
Schwarzkopf director of field services for Special Olympics Iowa
said. This program matches Special Olympics athletes with volunteer
partners. The two have the opportunity to participate in selected
sports.
Special Olympics Iowa benefits from charitable
donations also. Individuals have four different levels they may donate to,
according to Briggs.
"The money donated goes toward equipment
for the athletes to train with, uniforms, transportation
to and from competitions, and office supplies"
-Sally Briggs |
A person may donate to school or facilities. The
second level means donating to the area, east
central in this case. The third level involves giving to
the state, which in turn
uses the money for state competition. The fourth level is national.
The money here goes toward international competition and other
expenses.
Briggs said it takes $6,000 for her to run
the program. Around $1,000 comes from donations and the rest
comes from fundraising.
Briggs had two fundraisers last year: celebration
of Sports and Blast from the Past.
“ I think that a lot is gained by volunteering
or donating to Special Olympics,” Briggs said. “The
money donated goes toward equipment for the athletes to train
with, uniforms, transportation to and from competitions, and
office supplies.” Briggs, herself, volunteers her time
as area director.
According to Special Olympics Iowa, there are state
level fundraising activities also. Special Olympics Iowa sold
temporary tattoos before an Iowa State football game last year.
Prairie Meadows sponsored “Swing with the Celebrities” golf
tournament last year by awarding a grant of $35,000 to Special
Olympics Iowa.
Spring Games Volunteers