It’s an exciting year for Bob’s to be fundraising for Special Olympics in store Cafés nationwide! Athletes are gearing up for summer events in communities across America, and some are competing in the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023 in June.
Guests can visit any Bob’s Café nationwide, have a treat on us, and contribute to this worthy organization from April 1 to June 30. What’s even better, Bob’s will match every dollar donated up to $75,000, so the more you give, the more Bob’s gives! You can also donate to the campaign online here.
The Bob’s Café Collection for a Cause to benefit Special Olympics will support more than five million athletes and one million coaches and volunteers in more than 170 countries. Special Olympics provides opportunities for athletes in the 165 communities where Bob’s has stores.
Special Olympics Impact
According to their mission statement, Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for all children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, prepare for entry into school and community programs, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympic athletes and the community.
“Over the past nine years, Bob’s Discount Furniture has taken its dedication to enriching the lives of those with intellectual disabilities to new heights,” said Mary Beth McMahon, our President & CEO of Special Olympics Massachusetts.
“Thank you to Bob’s and their incredible customers, staff and leadership for showing what it means to choose to include,” she added.
Contributing in Meaningful Ways
Since 2014, Bob’s has supported Special Olympics supplying financial giving and volunteerism. Last year, through the contributions of generous guests, Bob’s was able to surpass $500,000 in donations.
“Have a community partner like Special Olympics has a deep impact for our organization,” said Lindsay Ruszczyk, Director of Communications and Community Outreach. Through our collaboration we can fundraise with our guests and provide volunteer opportunities for our employees resulting in a meaningful outcome for so many.”
Bob’s employees have taken part in fundraising through Polar Plunge events across the nation and have volunteered for athletic events. Special Olympics sends ambassadors to speak about volunteering to store teams as part of their strong partnership. Don’t miss this story featuring a store visit from Eric Retelle.
The Games
Every year, fundraising supports the 100,000 competitions and 32 Olympic-type sports of Special Olympics. This summer, across America, athletes will compete in Summer Games in a variety of sports like track and field events, swimming, and tennis. Some athletes will travel to Germany for the 2023 World Games.
Bob’s is proud to share that longtime employee Chuck Yenkner of the Southington, Connecticut location will compete in Berlin this June. He has taken part in Special Olympics World Games Los Angeles 2015, winning a gold medal in the mini javelin, bronze in the 100M run and a ribbon in the 4x100M relay.
Tina Yenkner, Chuck’s mother, said Special Olympics has given her son a good sense of community and a big social circle of friends and family to spend time with.
“I think [Special Olympics] makes him feel good about himself and his accomplishments,” said Tina. “It provides him opportunities that he wouldn’t see otherwise in regular sports.”
Year-round, Bob’s employees participate in a variety of Special Olympics activities. Alexa Lotufo, Mailroom Clerk at Bob’s Manchester, Connecticut-based headquarters is an avid snowshoe racer who took home four gold medals in the Winter Games held in Connecticut this past March.
