By KELLY KRANTZ
The Utah Chapter of the Special Olympics depends on people who will donate both time and money.
Bill Sorenson, the finance director of the Utah Chapter of Special Olympics, said the organization relies upon volunteers because there is no government funding.
“There are corporate sponsors, individual donations, some telemarketing and some grants from foundations,” said Director of Public Relations for the Utah Chapter of Special Olympics, Lyn Rees.
Rees said corporate sponsors are often recognized at the Special Olympics events, and advertisements in publications.
The Utah Chapter of Special Olympics does not pay for advertising, Rees said. “All of our ads are courtesy of the station or publication running the advertisement,” Rees said.
Golf tournaments and other events are open to the general public by charging entrance fees, said J.D. Donnelly, executive director of Utah Special Olympics.
Between 1200-1500 people participate in the Special Olympics at any given time, Sorenson said. “Some will attend the summer, and others will attend the winter. But most participate year-round.”
Contributions range from 50 cents to $126,000, said Donnelly.
Donnelly said all money raised in Utah stays in Utah. “When a check comes in, we look at the address on the check and the major part of support from the check will go to support that county,” Donnelly said.
