Local Business women Organize Special Olympics Fundraiser
by Scott A. Sumner
On September 29th Sherry Darosa of MPG Solutions was sitting in her home when a car pulled up and took her a way to jail! “ We are kidnapping prominent business people and holding them for ransom to raise money for the Special Winter Olympics.” said Katherine Anderson of Team 100 Realty who is a volunteer driver. “ We have over 50 people to kidnapped today.”
Rajni Agarwal, also of Team 100 Realty is the Event Coordinator for Kidnapped for a Cause and part of the team of 12 women who put the event together in 1 month from concept to today. “ 100 % of every dollar raised today will go to the Special Winter Olympics. Everything
was donated. Tbaytel donated the phones and space and all the advertising was taken care of as well. In the first hour we have raised $14,000 with our goal being $50,000. We operate today until 4pm. Our goal is to help the athletes if they need support to come here from the province and region.” said Rajni Agarwal.
The 2011 Special Olympic Winter Games will be hosted in Thunder Bay from January 20 to 23rd, 2011 with 400 athletes coaches and managers coming from all over Ontario to compete. “ Special Olympics is an organization to allow everyone to have an opportunity to participate so
financial barriers should not exist and we as the games organizing committee are making sure travel, accommodations and food are available for everyone,” said Julie Tilbury, Manager for the 2011 Special Olympic Winter Games. “ The games will include nordic skiing and snowshowing at the Kamview Nordic Centre, figure and speed skating at the Tournament Centre, curling at the Port Arthur Curling Club and alpine skiing at Mt Baldy Ski Resort. The opening and closing ceremonies will be at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium so it will be quite a festival.”
