TORCH RUNFundraising Activities: Year Round

The mission of the Northern California Law Enforcement Torch Run, in partnership with our communities, is to support Special Olympics Programs through fundraising and public awareness, while enhancing the quality of life of our athletes. Over 3,000 law enforcement personnel from Federal, Military, State, County and Local agencies participate in the Torch Run campaign. It is a year round fundraising campaign that culminates every year at the Special Olympics Northern California Summer Games in June. The Special Olympics Summer Games celebrates the end of the spring sports season, bringing together over 1000 Special Olympics athletes throughout Northern California to compete in a variety of different sports. The games officially begin after the final leg of the torch run has been completed and the "Flame of Hope" lights the Special Olympics caldron during Opening Ceremonies.

Funds are raised through a variety of activities, such as; Billboard Sits, Tip-A-Cops™, Power Pulls, Golf Tournaments, and T-shirt Sales. Northern California is now the highest grossing program in the Western Region. As one of the state's largest grassroots fundraising efforts, the Law Enforcement Torch Run has become the single largest supporter of the Special Olympics training and competitions opportunities that are available to over 14,000 developmentally disabled children and adults throughout Northern California .

Last year, $850,000 was raised as a result of these dedicated law enforcement personnel.

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View photos of last year's event.

6th Annual Special Olympics Golf Classic June 27, 2008

The 6th Annual Special Olympics Golf Classic will be a scramble tournament held at the beautiful Silver Creek Valley Country Club on Friday, June 27, 2008. This private, gate-guarded Club includes a championship 18-hole, par 72 golf course originally designed by Ted Robinson and remodeled in 2002 by Golf World Magazine award winning architect. Golfers enjoyed a casual Friday putting, chipping, and teeing away for a great cause.

Blazent Olympic Club Golf Tournament – 30th Annual September 15th, 2008

Once a year, we come together at the Olympic Club, to share in the rich history of this renowned course with its tree-lined fairways, spectacular views and storied past. Yet, more than that, we come together to give something back by supporting the athletes of the Special Olympics.

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wal*mart Golf for the gold classic October 13, 2008

Since 2006, Wal*Mart California (Region 19) and Special Olympics have joined together to create "A Golden Partnership" which has raised more than $1,350,000 for the athletes of Special Olympics. This Golden Partnership has helped more than 2,700 athletes receive the benefits of health and fitness through sports in their local communities where Wal*Mart exists. The Wal*Mart Golf for the Gold Classic, an integral part of this partnership, brings together Wal*Mart associates, management and their vendors at 15 different locations throughout California.

"Special Olympics serves an essential role in our community through its development of some truly inspiring adult and children athletes, and we are honored to be part of its success," said Henry Jordan, Regional General Manager. "Wal-Mart's ongoing efforts to assist this vital grass-roots sports program is true to our commitment to give back to the communities we serve. By providing both monetary resources and dedicated volunteers, we are enthusiastic partners in helping the Special Olympics truly make a difference.

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Visit: http://www.golfforthegoldclassic.com
Latest Newsletter

McCovey's 4th Anniversary CelebrationSeptember 19th, 2007

McCovey's 4th Anniversary Celebration Celebration benefiting Special Olympics Northern California was held at McCovey's Restaurant in Walnut Creek. Proceeds from the event helped support 9 athletes from Northern California that have been selected to represent our country and TEAM USA at the 2007 Special Olympics World Games in Shanghai, China in October where they competed against athletes from over 170 countries.

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31st Annual "Glide Floss Bridge to Bridge Run" September 30th in San Francisco

Dubbed "America's Most Beautiful Run" by Sports Illustrated magazine, the 31st Annual "Glide Floss Bridge to Bridge Run" was held on Sunday, September 30. Proceeds benefited Special Olympics Northern California. The event was presented by Crest Glide Floss and was produced by 107.7 The Bone, KFOG and KNBR 680/1050.

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WALK FOR THE GOLD®

Walk for the Gold® is a non-competitive event bringing together participants of all ages from throughout the community, to promote friendship and fitness, while raising funds for Special Olympics. Walkers are joined on the walk by Special Olympics athletes from their area, and may have the opportunity to experience first-hand a local competition or demonstration sport on the day of the walk. Walkers raise money by asking friends, family, business associates and co-workers to sponsor them. Funds are also raised through company sponsorship and matching gifts. This year's Walks took place on October 6, 2007 in Butte County and on October 27, 2007 in Sacramento. Check back for next year's dates!

Tesoro SPIRIT OF THE SEASONS gala December 7, 2007

The Tesoro Spirit of The Season black tie gala is a Bay Area holiday tradition featuring beautifully decorated holiday wreaths. Guests have the opportunity to bid on wreaths while celebrating the delights of the season. Held at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco this gala event is a wonderful way to bring in the holiday season.

View photos from the Teroro 2007 Spriit of the Season
use the password: Spirit

CELEBRITY WINTERFEST®March 7-9th , 2008

The Celebrity Winterfest® is a high profile, event-packed weekend that provides a unique opportunity for company team building, client development, and fun head-to-head competition between participating companies. Held in March at Harvey's and Heavenly ski resort in Lake Tahoe, this event helps raise over $600,000 for Special Olympics' winter sports Programming.

Please view the Winterfest website for highlights of this year's events taking place March 7-9, 2008.

The CELEBRITY WINTERFEST & Design, SPECIAL LINKS & Design, and WALK FOR THE GOLD marks are registered trademarks of Special Olympics Northern California, Inc.