Our family has been involved in Special Olympics for many years, both as volunteers and as cheerleaders of 1 of our daughters.  We have experienced joy, pride, and many blessings through Special Olympics.  One of our children, Gracie, started competing by throwing a ping pong ball in the track competition and has progressed to being a star at the softball throw!  She also started out running the 15-yard dash and recently won the 40-yard dash at her competition.  Grace also competes in the basketball skills program and hopes to be able to play on a Special Olympics team next year.  Special Olympics is a place where Gracie shines and all attention is on her.  This is a place where her siblings are cheering her on instead of her waiting on the sidelines for them.  I have watched many, many athletic events, but the atmosphere at any Special Olympics event is difficult to describe.  It is, simply put, amazing and emotional. 

Recently, I had the opportunity to volunteer at the Cash Drop held on September 30.  I was proud to be one of the many volunteers standing at the intersection of Bethel Rd and Sawmill Rd asking each driver to donate anything they could to Special Olympics.  Many, many people emptied their change trays into our buckets and others donated $20 or more.  My favorite part of the whole day was hearing people quickly tell me about their reason to support Special Olympics.  Everyone has a story, everyone has a reason to care.  Columbus proved that they supported Special Olympics because $28,962 was collected at intersections all over Columbus.  I am lucky to have been part of that day.  I extend a HUGE thank you to my friends and the TemperaturePro Columbus team who drove by, donated money and cheered on the volunteers.  Our entire team will be at that intersection next year, we just can’t wait!