After a ten year absence from the Northwestern UP, Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) is kicking off again in the Keweenaw. This Saturday, Feb. 21, join the Keweenaw Unitarian Universalist Fellowship from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. for the first ever Soup-er Bowl Fundraiser to raise money for the newly revived program. With more than 50 athletes signed up to compete in a list of year-round events, the organizers have reached out to the community to help raise funds. These funds will be used for equipment, competition transportation costs, and practice venues.
As this is the first year back for the program, this is the first fundraiser, but the organizers are hoping it becomes an annual event. Additionally, this Apr. 18, Area 39 Special Olympics will be hosting a free movie night at the Orpheum to raise funds, with optional donations of any amount welcome.
“We absolutely need to raise money for our local athletes if we are going to continue to sustain and grow the program,” said Michael Behrmann, Area 39 Director of SOMI.
Although the SOMI directors have enough volunteers for the event, they can always use more help for future events. These opportunities can be found on the Michigan Tech GivePulse profile. They are currently looking for volunteers to help run Track and Bocce Ball practices and competitions. Practices are on Saturdays and will be starting mid to late March and run through May.
“After all, who can’t get behind a cause that raises much needed funds for our local Special Olympics athletes while enjoying an all-you-can-eat soup dinner and getting a ceramic bowl that was hand painted by one of our athletes or volunteers,” said Behrmann.
Support the event this Saturday from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. for an all you can eat meal with a selection of soups as well as salad, bread, and cookies. The organizers are hoping for the Tech students and faculty to show up for a great cause in their community. Tickets are $25 dollars in advance and $30 at the door, they are available via ‘Classy Ticketing Platform’.
