For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, Special Olympics Hamilton County will conduct a fundraising event.
Special Olympics Hamilton County is a nonprofit based in Noblesville that provides year-round sports training and athletic competitions for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Athlete Leadership Council Facilitator Shannon Loomis said each county has its own Special Olympics program that receives some state funding, but most funds come from fundraising.
"Our organization provides 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," Loomis said. "It's a movement that impacts lives and is solely run by volunteers relying on corporate, civic and individual donations."
From 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 9, the nonprofit will hold its first fundraising event since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020. The event will be a prom night for athletes, their friends and family, and the community at Forest Park Inn at 701 Cicero Rd. in Noblesville.
"This is our first fundraiser post-COVID, and it's been a long time coming," Loomis said. "We haven't really got back on the bandwagon since the pandemic. During COVID, we didn't have any sports, so we didn't really need to raise any money. But now we're back in full force, and all our sports are back. All the programs are back, too. They need money."
Special Olympics Hamilton County offers several types of sports and activities for each season, including basketball, a pom squad, swimming, cycling and more. Athletes participate at no cost to them.
"Because the athletes don't pay to be a part of the sports that they do, that includes (costs for) equipment and uniforms," Loomis said. "That also includes any traveling or tournaments. So, we are getting back to where we're spending more money and need more money. This prom is our first attempt at having a fundraiser. We thought it'd be fun for the athletes to get back to socializing."
Without having large-scale fundraisers in the past four years, Loomis said the organization has been "creeping by" with the help of community partners.
"Over the past few years, we have done some dine-to-donate events," she said. "We also have some great partners within the community, like the Kiwanis and Lions Club, who donate to our program, and a few corporate sponsors, who donate to the organization every year."
With the prom fundraiser, Loomis said she hopes the organization won't have to "squeak by" with future funding. The event is open to the public, and Loomis said the organization is asking everyone who attends to attempt to raise $50.
"We'll have dancing, music, games and some light refreshments," she said. "Anybody's welcome to come. What we're recommending to help with our programming is for athletes to get sponsors to sponsor them to come to the prom. So, we're asking for a $50 fundraising goal for everybody who comes, whether it's an athlete or a friend. We're just asking for the $50 fundraising goal. There will be special prizes for the top fundraisers."
Special Olympics Hamilton County athlete Anna Inger, who has been involved in the organization for 14 years, said she loves participating in sports because she enjoys being part of a team and meeting new athletes that join each year. She said she looks forward to the prom.
"I am looking forward to dancing and enjoying the night with all my friends," Inger said. "Getting dressed up and raising money for Special Olympics Hamilton County is also an important part for me."
Loomis said specifically, the money raised from the event will go toward paying for uniforms and equipment for the sports teams.
"When you think of it like that, our softball team needs helmets, bats and jerseys. We don't have new uniforms every year, but we do need to replace them every few years," Loomis said. "Plus, if we have new athletes, we need new sizes, and we have to supplement. The other funds will go to tournament fees. Only a small portion of the money goes to administrative expenses, like running the website, but that's just a small piece."
Loomis, who coaches volleyball and track for Special Olympics Hamilton County, looks forward to seeing athletes interact with their friends outside of a sports environment.
"We like seeing athletes outside their athletic gear dressed like it is a real prom," she said. "I'm excited because a lot of what I see from these athletes is working towards a sport. It's always nice to see them do something else and interact with all their friends differently. I think it'll be a fun event for the athletes and the community partners that come. I know there are some unified partners that are going to come, and there are some groups that are going to help volunteer. So, I think it'll be a fun evening out for the athletes."
For more, visit sohcindiana.org/event/sohc-prom-and-fundraiser.
IF YOU GO
When: Nov. 12
Where: Forest Park Inn, 701 Cicero Rd. in Noblesville
Purpose: To raise money for Special Olympics Hamilton County
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