Thank you to our helpers

That famous quote by Fred Rogers has come to mind frequently this year: “Look for the helpers,” his mother told him and he, in turn, shared with audiences. “You will always find people who are helping.”

At Special Olympics New York, we are fortunate to work in a climate where we see the helpers every day. 

We are a small staff when you consider our reach – 54 employees statewide serve nearly 68,000 Special Olympics New York athletes. Together, we coordinate more than 5,750 athletic competitions per year, an average of 16 per day, and nearly 200 community and fundraising events. Our regional and state competitions include health screenings, where athletes receive onsite care or needed referrals from certified clinicians, all of whom are volunteers. And our Young Athletes Program, which prepares the next generation for inclusive sports activity, is just getting off the ground in homes, schools, and communities. 

All of this is provided at no cost to Special Olympics New York athletes, their families or caregivers.

We work hard, but it is our helpers who truly make it all possible. And so on behalf of the Special Olympics New York team, I want to thank each and every one of our helpers as 2018 winds down, and share just a few of their stories.

Thank you to Iona Prep High School English Teacher Pat Gray, whose Westchester Polar Plunge team raised $46,000 - the highest of any team in the state. Pat has created such a buzz around school for the plunge that students like Mikey Maisano participate year after year. As a senior this year, Mike raised a record amount of $1,300. Pat and Mikey are two of more than 10,300 New Yorkers who participated in plunges this year. 

Thank you to NYC Leadership Council Member Rebekah Rutkowski who, after volunteering at our Summer Social, took it upon herself to engage coworkers at the Park Hyatt in New York City. Through a series of innovative workplace fundraisers, including a used clothing drive and gourmet pastry sale, the Park Hyatt raised nearly $8,000. Thank you as well to the 60 dedicated members of the NYC Leadership Council. 

Thank you to Sergeant Brett Sobierski, who raised more than $12,000 during his amazing 50-hour run/walk to raise awareness in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of Special Olympics. Brett is one of 6,000 law enforcement officers who raise more than $2 million annually through the Torch Run, Law and Orders, Cops of Top, and Polar Plunge that comprise our partnership with law enforcement.

Thank you to Charlie “Bones” and Sue Jones, who have been volunteering for us since the inception of Special Olympics New York nearly 50 years ago. Charlie and Sue encapsulate the commitment and dedication shared by more than 40,000 volunteers who support us each year. 

Thank you to Brockport Schools Superintendent Dr. Lesli Myers for being one of our strongest champions for unified sports. Brockport offers one of 140 unified programs across New York, where more than 8,200 students with and without intellectual disabilities compete on a level playing field.

Thank you to Westside Coach Lucy Marotta and her daughter Erica, one of our athletes. Lucy and her siblings began a golf tournament to benefit Special Olympics New York following the passing of their brother and long-time volunteer, Tony Dicesare, in 2017. Even more impressive than the $25,000 the event has raised in its first two years is the “larger than life” way it brings the Rochester community together – a fitting tribute, for those who knew Tony. Thank you, Lucy, and to each and every one of the 4,500 volunteer coaches who help our athletes achieve their dreams.

Thank you to Dr. Vincent Siasoco who began working with us this year and has quickly become a leader for our inclusive health agenda, not only volunteering at our screenings but also recruiting colleagues to serve as clinical directors, making it a priority to serve individuals with intellectual disabilities within his practice, and immersing himself in Special Olympics at the national level. Thank you to Vincent and to all of our more than 530 professional health volunteers.

And finally, thank you Rupert Resources LTD Executive Chairman Brian Hinchcliffe, who made our largest individual donation of 2018, reconnecting with us years after his son, Patrick, volunteered in high school. Special Olympics New York simply could not do all that we do without the generous support of nearly 35,000 individual donors and sponsors who contribute to our organization each year. 

As I reflect on my first six months as president and CEO of Special Olympics New York, I am inspired, as I knew I would be, by our athletes who overcome many physical and mental challenges to compete. It is our helpers, however, whose giving spirit has me most thankful this holiday season. 

#SpecialOlympicsNY #BeAFan #GameChangers

To learn more about volunteer or sponsorship opportunities with Special Olympics New York, visit www.specialolympicsNY.