Special Olympics New York athlete Michael Szabelski (left) and New York State Trooper Jack Duong (right)
From left to right: John McLaughlin and Ed Hlebica of the Broome County Sheriff’s Office; Special Olympics New York athlete Michael Szabelski; Dunkin’ Multi-Unit Manager Fred DeVita; Special Olympics New York athlete Melanie Grassi; Special Olympics New York Vice President of Development Renee Snyder; New York State Trooper Shawn Parks; Special Olympics New York athlete Brandy Bush; Johnson City Police Department Community Engagement Officer Jay Peets; and Special Olympics New York athlete Omar Barry
BINGHAMTON, N.Y.;– Dunkin’ today partnered with Special Olympics New York for the “Go for the Gold” charitable campaign, which raises awareness and funds for the many athletes it supports in the community.
Special Olympics New York athletes and coaches were joined by local law enforcement partners to collect donations at more than a dozen participating Dunkin’ restaurants in the Southern Tier to help support the cost of athletic training and future competitions. Dunkin’ provided guests with a coupon for a free donut as a thank you for donating to the organization.
“Dunkin’ is honored to once again team up with Special Olympics New York to help raise funds for such an important program that touches the lives of so many in our area,” said Southern Tier Dunkin’ Franchisee Mayur Kaneria. “We’re very proud of our Southern Tier athletes and we thank our generous Dunkin’ customers for helping us support them.”
The fundraising event will support the organization’s year-round efforts to provide sports training and athletic competition to children and adults with intellectual disabilities. All contributions generated from the campaign will support Special Olympics New York programs for Southern Tier families.
“Even champions need champions,” said Special Olympics New York President and CEO Stacey Hengsterman. “Each year, hundreds of our champions in law enforcement and our friends at Dunkin’ come together to celebrate our athletes and raise funds in the name of inclusion and community. We are so grateful for their support and that of Dunkin’ customers.”
For more than 50 years, Special Olympics New York has provided sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-style sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in authentic competition. Athletes, coaches and the people who support them come together for the love of a sport and the thrill of a game.
To learn more about Dunkin’, visit www.DunkinDonuts.com or subscribe to the Dunkin’ blog to receive notifications at https://news.dunkindonuts.com/blog.
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About Dunkin’
Dunkin’, founded in 1950, is the largest coffee and donuts brand in the United States, with more than 13,200 restaurants in nearly 40 global markets. Dunkin’ is part of the Inspire Brands family of restaurants. For more information, visit DunkinDonuts.com and InspireBrands.com.
About Special Olympics New York
Special Olympics New York is the largest state chapter in the country, serving more than 42,000 athletes across New York with year-round sports training, athletic competition, and health screenings. The organization also partners with more than 200 schools statewide to offer Unified Sports, where students with and without disabilities compete as teammates. All Special Olympics New York programs are offered at no cost to athletes, their families or caregivers. The organization has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.com, making it one of the most trusted charities in the business nationally. For additional information about Special Olympics New York, to learn more about getting involved, or to make a donation, visit www.specialolympicsNY.org.