Wood County Special Olympics is thrilled to announce its 25^th Annual Dinner and Auction Fundraiser in support of our Wood County Wildcats on Saturday, November 5, 2022, at Graystone Banquet Hall from 6:00PM to 9:00PM. Graystone Hall is located at 29101 Hufford Road in Perrysburg. Doors will open at 5:45PM.

It has been two years since the event was held in person due to the novel COVID-19 pandemic and we are ready now, more than ever, to come together and celebrate our athletes, program, and supportive community members. All proceeds from the fundraiser will support the Wood County Special Olympics Program in purchasing new equipment and uniforms, registration fees, travel and lodging, facility rentals, officials, fuels costs, and more. It even allows the opportunity for growth and expansion of programs and available sports offered!

 We thank our sponsors sincerely for their contributions, generosity, and continued support to provide our adult and youth athletes with the quality program they deserve. This year, specifically, we would like to thank our Platinum Sponsors – Bowling Green Eagles 2180, IBEW Local 8, Knights of Columbus Wood County, and Taylor Automotive Family.  

Jen Krouse, Wood County Special Olympics Local Coordinator says, “By supporting Wood County Special Olympics, it allows athletes with developmental and intellectual disabilities to discover their strengths and abilities, while building their self-confidence. The contributions of our community and those beyond allow participants to develop friendships and experience what it means to compete and achieve. For that, we are forever thankful.”

Kimberly Paxton, Wood County Special Olympics athlete is no stranger when it comes to Special Olympics! “My journey with Special Olympics began when I was 8 years old. 32 years later I still play basketball and swim. I also learned how to play volleyball and became so good at it that I was selected to represent Team Ohio in the USA games in Orlando, FL this past June. I even had the honor of leading Team Ohio into the stadium in the USA Games opening ceremonies!”

Kim says that this past June, she realized that being an athlete is so much more than athletics. “I became part of a team that had athletes from the entire state of Ohio. We worked together, we played together, we bonded together. We all shined as one. Being a part of Team Ohio helped me understand how close we are as Wildcat family. It inspired me to not only be an athlete but to be a cheerleader for my teammates. Without our sponsors each year, this program wouldn’t be where it is today. You are part of our Wildcat family.”

Tickets are sold out for the fundraiser this year! The purchase of a ticket includes your entry into the event and participation in the LIVE and silent auction. It also includes a buffet dinner of prime rib, pecan crusted salmon, stuffed pasta shells, garlic mashed potatoes, Caribbean blend vegetables, salad, rolls, and assorted desserts. Upon admission, our guests receive two complimentary beer or wine tickets, and a cash bar is provided.

For more information about the event, you may call 419-352-5115. To learn more about Wood County Special Olympics, you may visit our website at https://www.woodcountydd.org/special-olympics. We look forward to seeing our guests on Saturday, November 5^th!

ABOUT WOOD COUNTY SPECIAL OLYMPICS:

Since its creation in 1970, Wood County Special Olympics has sponsored over 500 youth and adult athletes served by Wood County Board of Developmental Disabilities. This program offers year-round training and competitions in nine different sports, including local, state, and regional games.

Participation in sports goes beyond the experiences of training and competition. Involvement in Special Olympics gives people access to physical fitness, growth in self-confidence, and a chance to expand their circle of relationships in the community. Currently, Wood County Special Olympics covers all costs for each athlete and will continue this practice due to the overwhelming generosity and contributions of our sponsors, year after year.