Café Collection for Special Olympics a Success!
Bob’s Discount Furniture thanks guests for contributing to this year’s Café Collections for a Cause campaign to benefit Special Olympics. Bob’s contributed $32,000 to the organization through guests’ donations and a matching contribution. A ceremonial check was presented during a Special Olympics long distance running/walking practice in Erie, Penn.
“Bob’s is grateful to our guests for supporting Special Olympics, enabling us to continue this longstanding partnership,” said Communications Director Lindsay Ruszczyk. “As Bob’s grows, we are thrilled that we can deepen our partnership with Special Olympics in the communities where we do business.”
Since 2014, Bob’s as been fortunate to contribute more than $500,000 to the Special Olympics and has bolstered that relationship through volunteerism.
“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, 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.
Bob’s Commitment to Volunteerism
During the winter season, Bob’s employees located near the Manchester, Conn., home office, have volunteered at the annual Special Olympics Winter Games, featuring events like cross-county skiing, snowshoeing and downhill skiing. This past year, Bob’s employee Alexa Lotufo earned four gold medals during the winter games with colleagues cheering her on.
Bob’s employee Chuck Yenker, who works in the Southington, Conn., location is a longtime Connecticut Special Olympics athlete. This past summer he traveled to Berlin, Germany to compete in the World Games.
Athletes Visit Bob’s Stores
Special Olympics athletes have a strong bond with Bob’s store teams. During the annual Café Collection for a Cause fundraising campaign, athletes are often seen visiting Bob’s showrooms to share about the organization. Global messengers for Special Olympics have inspired Bob’s employees to form Penguin Plunge teams and to volunteer for sports activities.
New Hampshire athlete Eric Retelle visited a Bob’s store in 2020, prompting store manager Melissa Ortins to plunge for Special Olympics. Since organizing her team, the “Little Bobsters,” Ortins has raised more than $24,000 for the organization.
“Special Olympics touches so many lives of people who have disabilities,” Retelle said upon visiting with the Bob’s team in 2022. The power of playing sports can make getting through life, easier, Retelle added.
“I am grateful that Bob’s and Special Olympics provided our store team the opportunity to learn about volunteering and fundraising,” said Ortins. “It feels great to support Special Olympics both in the workplace during our Café Collections campaign and outside when we are plunging in chilly waters!”
