New York State Rental Dealers Association Reaches Goal of $40,000 Donation to
Special Olympics New York for 2009
Rent-to-Own Stores Across New York State fundraise to reach goal
SCHENECTADY, N.Y., Oct. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- The New York State Rental Dealers
Association donated $40,000 to Special Olympics New York at a recent check
presentation ceremony for officials of the non-profit organization. The
Association is in its second year of fundraising for the Special Olympics
through its member stores with the Sponsor-an-Athlete campaign in an effort to
give back to the communities in which they do business.
"Even in this challenging economy, our members were confident we could raise
$40,000 for Special Olympics New York this year and we're thrilled to say we
achieved that with the 'Sponsor-an-Athlete' program," said Dave Edwards,
President of the New York State Rental Dealers Association. "Our donation was
made possible by the work of our Association's more than 220 rent-to-own
stores and their staffs. Special Olympics makes a difference in peoples'
lives every day and we're proud to continue our support of such an outstanding
organization."
Donations of $1, $3, $5 or more were accepted for the Sponsor an Athlete
program which ran from August through October in member stores. Customers
received a paper "olympic torch" icon, yellow with a blazing red flame, on
which they wrote their name and had posted on the wall in the store. Stores
tracked the donations and the results were posted online at
www.specialolympicsny.org, encouraging friendly competition among members to
see who could raise the most money.
"The Rent-to-Own store employees were absolutely dynamic in this second year
of their fundraising campaign," said Neal J. Johnson, President and CEO of
Special Olympics New York. "We are very excited by such a tremendous outcome,
even in this difficult economic year. This kind of dedicated effort is what
keeps us providing our 47,654 athletes with the level of year-round training
and competition they deserve. We offer our deep-felt thanks to the New York
State Rental Dealers Association and their store customers for this wonderful
donation."
Special Olympics New York provides year-round sports training and athletic
competition in a variety of Olympic-style sports for all children and adults
with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to
develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate
in a sharing of skills and friendship with their families, Special Olympics
athletes and the community. Through their participation in Special Olympics
New York athletes gain confidence and build a positive self-image, which
carries into the classroom, the home, the workplace and the community.
Special Olympics New York is the largest program of its type in the U.S.
Headquartered in Schenectady with regional offices in Long Island, New York
City, Hudson Valley, Central, and Genesee, Special Olympics New York is a
privately funded not-for-profit 501(c)3 agency that raises its operating
budget mainly through the support and generosity of individuals, corporations
and foundations. Special Olympics New York does not charge its athletes or
their families to participate. Consequently, all moneys spent for athletes,
coaches, competitions and volunteers must be raised through fund-raising
activities.
CONTACT:
Susan MacBryde, 518.388.0790 x109, smacbryde@nyso.org
Andrea Colby, e3communications, 518.431.1541, acolby@e3communications.com
SOURCE New York State Rental Dealers Association
Susan MacBryde, +1-518-388-0790, Ext. 109, smacbryde@nyso.org; or Andrea
Colby, e3communications, +1-518-431-1541, acolby@e3communications.com
