SO Brief 
SONM's Bi-Weekly Newsletter
April 15, 2015
In This Issue
Athlete Profile
Thoughts From Randy
Tip-A-Royal
Cleveland HS Project UNIFY
Something Special Dinner & Auction
LETR News!
Reveal the Champion
Subway Promotion
Athlete Profile
Name: Tim Evans
Team: Special Olympics AGS
Sports: Bowling
Highlights: Tim won a Bronze Medal at the 2015 Unified Team Bowling Tournament.
Join Us Online
Thoughts From Randy
Jordan and Ellie

Even if you aren't a golfer or have any interest in the game, it would have been hard to miss the story about Jordan Spieth, the 21 year old who became the second youngest player to win the Masters Tournament.  Unlike the year before, where he lead the tournament until the ninth hole of the last day and then crumbled under pressure, this year Spieth was absolutely unstoppable, and his performance was remarkable.

When it was all said and done, as he adorned the prestigious green jacket and shared his remarks, we learned that Jordan Spieth has a 14 year old sister, Ellie, who has autism.  He gave her credit for helping to shape him as a person...

 MORE >>>

   
Tip-A-Royal events garner community support for Special Olympics Gallup

 On February 7 and April 4, Miss Indian New Mexico, in partnership with Miss Navajo Nation from Arizona, hosted two Tip-A-Royal events for the benefit of Special Olympics Gallup athletes.

During the first, which took place on February 7 at Earl's Restaurant in Gallup, Navajo Nation Royalty helped to serve food and drinks to restaurant patrons and the tips were donated to Special Olympics Gallup and  the charity of choice of Miss Navajo Nation.

On April 4, Miss Indian New Mexico and Miss Navajo Nation decided to do a new take on the event. It was hosted at Route 66 Casino and they sold tables instead of collecting tips. This gave the Navajo Nation Royalty a chance to engage with guests in a formal setting and show attendees who they were supporting and why it's important. Representatives from Special Olympics Gallup were in attendance and Nathan and Eric Begay of SO Gallup spoke about the impact of Special  Olympics on their lives.
 
"I liked having the spotlight on the organizations who the event was benefiting," stated Miss Indian New Mexico, Nicole Johnny. " It created a connection with the guests and we were able to share stories from Special Olympics athletes and families." 

The event raised $820 for Special Olympics Gallup. Special thank you to Nicole, Miss Indian New Mexico for her efforts!  
Cleveland High School Project UNIFY event showcases inclusive school sports!   

Last Friday, April 20 the Cleveland High School Project UNIFY program in partnership with Best Buddies brought together over 400 people including Special Olympics athletes, Unified partners, Cleveland HS staff, and students to participate in a showcase of unified sports activities. 

Stations were set up to showcase different sports, including Golf, Bocce Ball, Soccer, Flag Football, Basketball, Volleyball,Tennis, Taekwondo, and Yoga/Pilates/Dance. Special Olympics athletes and students who participate in the Project UNIFY and Best Buddies programs demonstrated and explained the activity at each station and
Tianna teaching a dance lesson
teachers brought their classes to participate and learn from the athletes and student leaders.

Special Olympics athlete and Cleveland HS dance team member, Tianna even gave dance lessons - choreographing several routines with different groups. 

"The highlight of the day for me was seeing our athletes take the lead and be the instructors," stated Ben Vigil, SONM Coach and Special Education teacher at Cleveland HS. "It was truly amazing to see the interactions between all of the participants."

More photos will be available on the SONM Facebook page this week, so check in for updates.
Auction Item Sneak Peek!

We're already getting some fantastic items for the first-ever Something Special Dinner & Auction. Take a look at this gorgeous Nambe Fish Platter - it could be adorning your kitchen come June!



Don't miss your chance to bid on this and many other enticing silent and live auction items! Save the date June 27 at Sandia Hotel and Casino!  You can buy an individual ticket or a table, or you can become a sponsor! This fun and unique auction event and help give New Mexicans challenged with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to participate in the sports that they love.

For more information, click HERE or contact christine@sonm.org.
Law Enforcement Torch Run News!

New Mexico LETR joins national Claim Jumper Tip-A-Cop campaign in raising over $90,000 for Special Olympics

On Thursday, April 9 LETR Belen PD officers participated in a national Tip-A-Cop campaign held at over 30 Claim Jumper restaurants across the country.  LETR Belen PD officers and Claim Jumper employees enthusiastically raised awareness for both law enforcement and Special Olympics. The Albuquerque store raised over $1,500.

New Mexico LETR joined Oregon and Washington in the Claim Jumper Tip-A-Cop annual campaign. The campaign raised some $94,414.44 for Special Olympics programs across the country. Thanks to LETR Belen PD and Claim Jumper staff for a great night! Click HERE for photos of the event.

4th annual NW Region LETR's Chili's Tip-A-Cop raises $13,000 in Farmington

On April 3 & 4, LETR Farmington PD held its 4th annual Chili's Tip-A-Cop fundraiser in Farmington raising over $13,000 for Special Olympics. This is the second year in a row that this event has garnered over $10,000 in donations from the Farmington community. Funds were raised through officer "tips" and LETR merchandise sales. Congrats and thanks to LETR Farmington PD and Chili's staff for another successful event.

Mark your calendar for LETR Farmington PD's 4th annual Guns vs. Hoses Softball Game in June.

North Central Region LETR's Santa Ana PD raises $1,500 in 2nd annual Sadie's Tip-A-Cop

On March 19, LETR Santa Ana PD officers returned to Sadie's Restaurant at Santa Ana Casino for their 2nd annual Tip-A-Cop fundraiser. Numerous LETR officers collected officer "tips" and sold LETR merchandise to patrons while spreading awareness about Special Olympics New Mexico. They raised $1,500 total. Congratulations and thanks to Santa Ana PD and Sadie's staff for bringing LETR Tip-A-Cops to Santa Ana. 

LETR Dona Ana County Sheriff's Office raises over $3,100 at Texas Roadhouse Tip-A-Cop in Las Cruces

On March 23, LETR Dona Ana County SO officers traded in their badges for aprons at Texas Roadhouse to bring awareness of Special Olympics New Mexico athletes and sports programs to Las Cruces. In just a few short hours, the LETR agency raised $3,169 for Special Olympics, collecting officer "tips" and selling LETR merchandise. 

Congratulations and thanks to LETR Dona Ana County SO officers and Texas Roadhouse staff for a great night raising funds and awareness for Special Olympics. Click HERE for photos from the event.

Mark your calendar for the inaugural Dunkin' Donuts Cops on Top fundraiser on April 25 and 26 in Las Cruces, and help bring our officers from DACSO and Las Cruces PD down with your donations!
Reveal the Champion!

Do you or anyone you know want to learn more about SONM programs and initiatives, and hear some heartwarming stories along the way? Then attend a Reveal the Champion Mission Tour and learn how SONM is Building Inclusive Communities, Transforming Lives through Sport, and Improving the Quality of Life for our Athletes.

See below for dates and contact Kristin Garcia to RSVP at kristin@sonm.org. For dates further into the year, click HERE.


Local Subway restaurants partner with SONM!

SUBWAY® restaurants located in the New Mexico area are joining forces with Special Olympics New Mexico  to give back to the local community.  From April 15 to August 31, more than 150 local SUBWAY® restaurants will participate in the "You Share. We Share." campaign to help support Special Olympics New Mexico.  

The "You Share. We Share" campaign encourages the community to get out and share their weekends with SUBWAY® restaurants, and SUBWAY® will share right back by donating a percentage of weekend sales, up to $25,000, directly to Special Olympics New Mexico.  As locally owned and operated franchises, SUBWAY® is excited to be able to further its commitment to the local community.

Be sure to stop by your local SUBWAY® this weekend!
 Upcoming 2015 Events

EVENT                              DATE                                 LOCATION 
Law Enforcement Torch Run               May 19-31                                        Statewide
State Summer Games                       May 29-31                                        Albuquerque, NM
Something Special Dinner & Auction   June 27                                            Sandia Resort & Casino
SONM Golf Classic                            July 13                                             Paa-ko Ridge Golf Club
SONM Board of Directors
 
Executive Committee : CHAIRMAN, Jack Eichorn; VICE CHAIRMAN, Karen Hudson; VICE CHAIRMAN, Bob Scanlon; SECRETARY, Ryan Danoff; and TREASURER, Steve Pino

Board Members: Tom Padilla, Jeff Ramirez, Ryan Garcia, David Harnick, Brad Hutchins, Walt Bolic, Darren Wilkins, Trish Stuart, Craig Amundson, Consuelo Bolagh-Cowder, Dub Girand, Warren Ellis, and Mark Wiggins 
Contact Us

Special Olympics New Mexico
6600 Palomas Pl. NE Ste. 207
ABQ, NM 87109
 
Phone: 505-856-0342
Email: sonm@sonm.org