Get Engaged and Give Back
Polar Plunges, Torch Runs, truck convoys and holiday music. Thanks to some extraordinary efforts, you can give and get involved in events that connect and mobilize entire communities.
Braving the waters in Delaware for a Polar Plunge.
Imagine fellow community members lined up alongside the road, holding signs of support as they cheer law enforcement officers carrying the Flame of Hope. A convoy of 2,000 big rig trucks traveling together to a rally at a state fairground. Hundreds of people, laughing with hands linked as they plunge into an icy lake during a Polar Plunge. And you and your family ringing in the holiday with A Very Special Christmas music that gives back.
To get in on the fun, contact your local Special Olympics to find out about the Law Enforcement Torch Run, Polar Plunge and other fundraising events in your community. Or be creative and sponsor your own fundraising event at the local, regional or international level, and associate your name with the positivity, togetherness and strength that epitomize the Special Olympics movement. Whatever your industry, we are happy to include you in our initiatives.
Community events benefiting Special Olympics are happening every day, everywhere thanks to the efforts from individuals around the world. But two groups of people stand out particularly for their extraordinary efforts, delivering both money and global awareness: the law enforcement and music entertainment communities. To them we are especially grateful
Guardians of the Flame of Hope
The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, in conjunction with the International Association of Chiefs of Police, encompasses a variety of fun and inspiring fundraising vehicles that raise critical money and awareness for Special Olympics year-round. The most famous and long-running event is the Law Enforcement Torch Run, our biggest awareness event and grass-roots fundraiser. The Torch Run is truly contagious, creating a spirit of positivity that moves out from the streets and into communities.
Each year, law enforcement officers run across cities, states, countries and even continents to raise funds for Special Olympics. As the Flame of Hope travels around the world, it represents the spirit of Special Olympics, bringing light, support and hope to communities. Thousands support the runners' efforts through "Adopt-A-Cop" sponsorships, local fundraising events and merchandise sales. The Torch Run is a joyous event that brings people together, fosters civic engagement and gains publicity for our movement while earning proceeds that benefit Special Olympics Programs around the world.
Music that Gives Back
And where would Special Olympics be without the joyful sounds of Very Special Christmas music? Since 1987, Special Olympics and top recording artists have worked together on a fundraising collaboration that brings joy to millions each holiday season.
The A Very Special Christmas holiday music collections are like no other, delivering seasonal cheer in every musical style: traditional, rock, rap, country, world, Latin and jazz. Eleven albums feature songs by dozens of internationally acclaimed artists, including U2, Bon Jovi, Madonna, Bruce Springsteen, Willie Nelson, Stevie Wonder, Sheryl Crow, No Doubt, Eric Clapton and Sting.
A Very Special Christmas CDs and DVDs spread cheer and raise awareness of Special Olympics. They also raise much-needed funds – more than $100 million to date. These funds make up Christmas Record Trust, which provides grants to help grow Special Olympics Programs in the neediest parts of world.
Make your gift today. Donate online, and start changing lives and having an impact in your community and around the world.