Special Olympics Of Rhode IslandServes Rhode Island’s people who have intellectual disabilities.

It gives them opportunities to participate in sports.Through sports, they have fun, make friends and develop confidence.

It has programs to educate people not to make fun of people with intellectual disabilities.

Mission Statement

• “To Provide Year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic type sports for individuals with intellectual disabilities by giving them continuous opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics Athletes and the community.”

The Athletes

Board of Directors and Sponsors

• Special Olympics of Rhode Island is governed by a Board Of Directors with 24 members.

• There are Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze Sponsors including Cox, CVS, Dunkin Donuts, and Bank of America.

• There is a Staff of 11 people • The CEO is Dennis DeJesus, who raises money

to support a budget of $1.6 million each year.

Local teams Throughout RI

Fundraising • General Donations maybe made by mail or online

at www.specialolympicsri.org. • Memorial Gifts are given to remember a loved one

who has died. • Recognition Gifts are given to commemorate

birthday’s, anniversaries, etc. • Vehicles donated to SORI are sold at auction and

the proceeds are used.• Annual Auction was posted online with live

streaming and was carried on a Cox TV station.

Capital Campaign

• There is a Capital Campaign to raise $3.65 million for a new headquarters building in Smithfield. Rhode Island.

• It has already raised $2.9 million from corporations, friends, and families of the Special Olympics Athletes.

Fundraising Events

• Annual Torch Run. As in the Olympics, a flame is carried throughout the state of Rhode Island where Police, Firemen, State Police, and Correctional Officers carry The “Flame of Hope” just before the opening Summer Games.

• This is a fundraising event that also publicizes the cause.

Marketing and Brand Awareness

Special Olympics was founded in 1960 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver. This is the logo. The Brand has worldwide recognition.The Special Olympics Games follow the same format as the Olympics Games. A torch is carried and lit to start the games. Medalists win Gold Silver and Bronze medals.

Donor Relations

• New donors are identified by telemarketing, people attending events, and word of mouth from local families.

• The National Special Olympics organization pays for a direct mail campaign that is sent to Rhode Island residents. Any donations are split 50/50 between the national organization and the Rhode Island Program.

CEO and Chief Fundraiser • “Remember the people you serve and take them (in your heart) with you on every fundraising visit. If you truly believe in the mission and vision of the non-profit you serve, it's not hard asking for money.”

-Dennis DeJesus