Fundraising Events and Promotions 

Every year, Special Olympics Florida holds several major specialty fundraising events as well as ongoing fundraising programs, that help support your local Special Olympics programs. Check out other cool ways for you to raise some money, help out Special Olympics, and have a lot of FUN!

Special Olympics Florida License Plates

We need your help urgently! Organizations  with specialty plates in Florida must have a minimum of 1,000 new plates sold annually in order to remain a part of the specialty plate program. Our 2009 plate sales to date are very low and if you or someone you know
has ever contemplated getting a Special Olympics Florida license plate, this would be the time to do so!As one of the very first specialty plates approved in Florida, it would be a shame to see this great revenue and awareness-raising opportunity disappear.

AND our specialty plate fee is the lowest of any specialty plate at only $15! Your extra $15 will benefit the local Special Olympics program in the county where you purchase your plate - not many other specialty plates programs can say that!

Since its offering in 1994, Special Olympics Florida's specialty license plate has raised over $1 million dollars to benefit Florida's children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Thousands of plates have been issued to supporters across the State. Ordering a plate can be done when you renew your registration at your local tax collector's office. Specialty tags cost a set fee ($15 - all tax deductible) annually above the standard Florida tag. The additional funds go to support Special Olympics Florida.  

NEW! Give a truly "moving" gift! The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Department has authorized the issuance of specialty license plate gift certificates. This new program allows anyone to purchase a specialty license plate as a gift for a motor vehicle registrant.

This new gift certificate program works much like any gift certificate. Upon payment of the statutorily authorized annual use fee, a gift certificate may now be purchased at an authorized motor vehicle office (e.g., state motor vehicle office, local tax collector office, or licensed tag agent) for any of the 104 specialty license plates currently available in Florida.

At the time of purchase, a receipt will be provided and a credit will be issued in the name of the gift recipient, which can then be redeemed by the recipient at the time the specialty license plate is purchased. You do not have to purchase and redeem the certificate at the same office. The gift certificate is not required to be presented to redeem the credit, just proper identification (i.e. Florida driver’s license or ID card). Once a gift certificate is purchased, the money is given to the sponsoring plate entity as specified by Florida Statutes. Therefore, refunds are not available for gift certificates.

A specialty license plates is a unique gift, and a great way to support Special Olympics Florida. Please remember that in Florida, most registrations are renewed on the birth date of the registrant, so these gift certificates can also be a great birthday gift.

 

Vehicle Donation Program

If you have a vehicle that you would like to donate to Special Olympics Florida, please give us a call at 1-866-260-4180.  All you need to have is your vehicle, the keys, and a clear title of ownership, and we will handle the transfer fees, insurance, car pick-up, and auction expenses.  Cars donated are then sold at retail prices at Diamond Auto Mall.

 

 

Help Special Olympics FL by Vacationing!

Exchange International and its members support Special Olympics Florida through  generous donations of vacation weeks. Donated accommodations help raise funds at special events, auction and raffles around the state.

As a  year-round sponsor, Special Olympics Florida is proud to work directly with Exchange International to raise funds that allow our athletes  opportunities to reach their personal best. Exchange International features a one-of-a-kind exchange forum, an on-line resort auction and a donation program providing members a cost effective and efficient alternative to their property usage.

Use Points to Help Our Cause 

Did you know, you can redeem Membership Rewards® points from American Express for a donation?  Help us at Special Olympics Florida reach our goal of 1,000,000 points. For every 1,000 points you redeem, we will receive a $10.00 donation.  Redeem your points or dontate today!

 

Insurance Offer for You!

We all have to have insurance. So why not have it benefit the athletes of Special Olympics Florida?!

Special Olympics Florida and Rob Stephenson of Insurance Office of America want to help give you the piece of mind that comes from knowing your personal and business insurance needs will protect your interests and those you love – all while helping Special Olympics!

Offering a wide array of personal and commercial products, from health, property, auto and liability, to commercial business coverages, Rob Stephenson can help find the coverages that suit your unique needs.

And, the best part is that for every referral Rob receives, he and Insurance Office of America will make a donation to Special Olympics Florida! Rob Stephenson himself is a long-time volunteer and supporter of Special Olympics Florida.

In order for the donation to be made, you must work with Rob Stephenson; so give him a call at 407-925-0932 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to discuss your or your company’s insurance needs.

Insurance Office of America is a privately held, full-service insurance agency founded in 1988 and is one of the fastest-growing independent agencies in the U.S. It is Florida’s largest privately-held insurance agency; 9th largest privately-held agency by Insurance Journal-National; ranks 16 on Hales & Company Private Broker/Agencies list and 32nd largest U.S. broker by Business Insurance magazine. IOA was named one of the top three Commercial Insurance Agencies of the year, 2005, by National Underwriter. And locally, IOA receives high marks—the Orlando Business Journal awarded them 41st on the Central Florida’s Golden 100 Ultimate CEO list, 2007; plus recognized them as one of the Best Places to Work, 2007 and 2008. A member of Independent Insurance Agents of America, IOA’s home office is located in Longwood, FL with 23 branch offices reaching eight states from coast to coast. Visit www.ioausa.com

 

DialAmerica Magazines

Do you love to read magazines?   You can help Special Olympics Florida by ordering or renewing your favorite magazines through our partner, DialAmerica. You’ll get BIG discounts and DialAmerica will contribute 12-1/2% of your paid subscription to us.  It’s easy and costs you nothing. Order today.

 

Florida Law Enforcement Torch Run

The Law Enforcement Torch Run® is held each year prior to State Summer Games. The intra-state torch relay lasts the entire month of April and culminates at the Opening Ceremonies of Special Olympics Florida State Summer Games in May.  Officers from around the state join together to bring the "Flame of Hope" into the stadium.

Click here for more details regarding this program, and contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  if you have any questions.

 

 

Polar Plunge at Aquatica

Be a part of the "coolest" event of the year! Join us at Aquatica in January 2011, when we host our second annual Polar Plunge!

Aquatica is usually warm and tropical, but for one day only they're icing down their wave pool so you can experience the "thrill of the chill" while supporting a great cause.

Take the Plunge for Special Olympics Florida! 

 

 

Orlando Chili Cook-off

The first annual Orlando Chili Cook-off at Baldwin Park showcased Central Florida’s best amateur and seasoned chefs. It was an event that brought the community together for a great time, and all for a great cause - Special Olympics Florida!

Go to www.orlandochilicookoff.com for more info!

 

 

 

 

 

Celebration Exotic Car Festival

Exotic Cars. Jets. Celebrities. World-renowned Chefs.  Rock Stars...and YOU!  The Ferrari Club of America invites you to the 7th annual Celebration Exotic Car Festival, April 15-18, 2010, in support of Special Olympics Florida!  This four-day, world-class event has something for everyone.

This festival will include Special Olympics ROCKS! (formally known as Special Olympics Florida Champions' Gala).  You can mingle with celebrities from film, TV, music, and sports, enjoy a gourmet dinner, top-shelf open bar, incredible live auctions, and a live concert performed by some of rock’s most legendary lead singers.

More information and event registration can be found at www.celebrationexoticcars.com, or by contacting This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 407-756-3626.

 

 

Xtreme Kingfish Tournament Series

One of the perks of living in Florida is being surrounded by water, and now you can support Special Olympics while pursuing one of the world's most exhilarating challenges: deep-sea sport fishing!

The United States Kingfish Organization has joined forces with us and is hosting the Xtreme Kingfish Tournament Series (XKTS), with proceeds benefiting Special Olympics Florida.

The offshore fishing tournaments target the King Mackerel, and the vision of XKTS is to build a unique tournament series that not only gives back, but treats the participants to dining and entertainment as part of their tournament experience.

2010 Tournament Dates:
Fort Pierce, April 22-25, 2010

In total, 20 tournaments are already in the works for the 2009/2010 tournament season so check the Xtreme Kingfish Tournament Series site frequently for the most up-to-date information and new tournament dates!
 
USKO is a registered non-profit organization which adds a whole new dimension to offshore tournament fishing by entry fees (all or portion, consult your tax specialist) being tax deductible to participants.  
 
Spots are limited and are filling up fast, so for rules, info, locations, registration and everything else you need to know, visit the Xtreme Kingfish Tournament Series website now!

Special Olympics Florida Golf Classic
at ChampionsGate Golf Resort

The 9th Annual Special Olympics Florida Golf Classic will be held on April 23 and 24, 2010 at ChampionsGate Golf Resort -- where golfers compete for awards and prizes, while walking in the footsteps of legends on the Greg Norman signature golf courses.  

For more information about this event, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , (352)243-9536, ext 505.

 

 

 

ExxonMobil Golf Open at Reunion Golf Resort, Orlando

What better place to develop and build business relationships than the golf course. Two of the finest private courses in the state are at the Reunion Golf Resort.  Join us for the 9th Annual Golf Open and walk in the footsteps of legends on the Tom Watson and Arnold Palmer signature golf courses as you support Special Olympics Florida.  The  tournament will be on September 21-22. 2010.  For more information, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , (407)402-8600.

 

 

SOFL Golf Classic at Sanctuary Ridge Golf Club - Clermont, FL

Join us on Thursday, November 13, 2009, for the Special Olympics Florida Golf Classic presented by P&G at Sanctuary Ridge Golf Club.  We have a Shotgun start at 1:00 p.m.  The purpose of this tournament is to raise funds to cover the expenses associated with the Special Olympics Florida State Golf Championship.  Deadline to sign up is Tuesday, November 3.  For more information, contact Dena Garas, (352)243-9536 x531.

 

 

 

SOFL Golf Classic at Heathrow Golf and Country Club - Lake Mary, FL

The 13th Annual Special Olympics Florida Golf Classic was held on Monday, October 5, 2009.  The tournament took place at the beautiful Heathrow Country Club!  Golfers competed for awards and prizes and also received tee gifts, lunch, on-course beverages, dinner and chances to bid on live and silent auction items.

Visit the official Special Olympics Florida Golf Classic tournament website for full details, registration and sponsorship information, interactive fun and on-line registration at www.soflgolf.org!

Polar Bear Club at ICE!, Gaylord Palms, Orlando

Established last year, Orlando has its own branch of the famed Polar Bear Club, with its second annual "plunge" planned for Saturday, December 5 at 8:30 am. This organization - based loosely on the traditions of its brave Northern counterparts - will give residents (and visitors) the opportunity to take their own cold-weather plunge through ICE!, Orlando's 9-degree holiday attraction hand-carved from nearly two million pounds of ice.

Ticket holders will have the only opportunity this season to visit ICE! in a bathing suit. Afterward, participants will be named official members of the Orlando Polar Bear Club and will receive a special certificate to commemorate their plunge.

A post-plunge warm-up reception will include coffee and cocoa. In addition, participants will be invited to return to the attraction later that morning while fully clothed.

The special Orlando Polar Bear Club ticket, which is now on sale, is available for $21.99 plus tax. For every ticket sold, $7 will be donated to Special Olympics Florida!

Get more info, see "cool" videos and sign up to join the Polar Bear Club now!

 

Central Florida High School All-Star Football Game

The 11th Annual Central Florida High School All-Star Football Game will be held on December 17, 2009 at 7:30 pm at Lake Brantley High School in Altamonte Springs.  Admission is $5 at the gate, with all proceeds benefiting Special Olympics Florida.

This event showcases the best of Central Florida's high school football players, and is preceded by a private family BBQ where participating high school seniors and Special Olympics athletes spend the afternoon together.  Event Chairman Chip Humble said "friendships are made, stereotypes are shattered and everyone benefits from their new found appreciation for each other."

The game is always open to the general public For more information, please visit the All-Star Game website at www.cfallstars.org.

 

Wish List Donations

We often need goods donated in order to continue running smoothly.  Please contact us or call us toll-free at 1-800-322-4376 if you can provide any of the following items:

Laptop computers for Area/County Programs
Desktop PCs
Computer Software
Medical Supplies/Services
In-Kind Printing
Office Supplies
Decorations
Paper
Advertising


Want to Learn More?
Watch a short video about the many benefits of Special Olympics and how these fundraising events make Special Olympics a reality for thousands of athletes each year!

 

 

 

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