Special Olympics Colorado knows how to put the fun in fundraising. Moments after posting about the latest event, Pins for a Purpose, dozens of Special Olympic athletes signed up to take part at Bowlero Cherry Creek.

Events like this one take a lot of planning and work to put together. Thankfully the Young Professionals Board has the volunteers and energy to raise money and awareness for our cause. The group raises more than $75,000 a year by getting corporate sponsors involved.

As a parent of a Special Olympics athlete, I spend a good amount of time selling Butter Braids and chocolates to raise money for equipment, team apparel, and venue fees. It was a pleasure to see the Young Professionals Board do more than raise money. They laced up their bowling shoes and joined in, making this fundraising effort a team event.

More Than Bowling

My son Jack and the other athletes who take part in Special Olympics do so because of the camaraderie. They found that same camaraderie while raising money for their sport. Rather than focusing on their disability, their new friends focused on their abilities. Many were bowled over by the athletes’ high scores. To be honest, it wasn’t a fair contest. Thanks to Special Olympics Colorado, most of them have been honing their skills for years.

Corporate Comrades

Many of the corporate sponsors are the same companies that offer employment to our athletes when they’re not competing. A special thanks goes out to Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Vitality, Accenture, First Bank, BakerHostetler, Moss Adams, CGMPnow, Yasso, Hyatt Regency, Yes Energy, Sidney Auerbach, and Unum. These companies didn’t just donate money, they had representatives there to high-five the bowlers after every strike and spare.

If you missed this month’s Pins for a Purpose don’t despare. Just keep your eye on the calendar for the next Young Professionals Board event.

About the Author

Brenda Stuart-Ryan is a Denver journalist and frequent volunteer with Special Olympics Colorado. Her son’s favorite activities are swimming, basketball, bowling, and special events like Tip-a-Cop, the Plane Pull, and the Polar Plunge.