New York State Rental Dealers Association Reaches Goal of $40,000 Donation to Special Olympics New York for 2009

Rent-to-Own Stores Across New York State fundraise to reach goal

SCHENECTADY, N.Y., Oct. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- The New York State Rental Dealers Association donated $40,000 to Special Olympics New York at a recent check presentation ceremony for officials of the non-profit organization. The Association is in its second year of fundraising for the Special Olympics through its member stores with the Sponsor-an-Athlete campaign in an effort to give back to the communities in which they do business.

"Even in this challenging economy, our members were confident we could raise $40,000 for Special Olympics New York this year and we're thrilled to say we achieved that with the 'Sponsor-an-Athlete' program," said Dave Edwards, President of the New York State Rental Dealers Association. "Our donation was made possible by the work of our Association's more than 220 rent-to-own stores and their staffs. Special Olympics makes a difference in peoples' lives every day and we're proud to continue our support of such an outstanding organization."

Donations of $1, $3, $5 or more were accepted for the Sponsor an Athlete program which ran from August through October in member stores. Customers received a paper "olympic torch" icon, yellow with a blazing red flame, on which they wrote their name and had posted on the wall in the store. Stores tracked the donations and the results were posted online at www.specialolympicsny.org, encouraging friendly competition among members to see who could raise the most money.

"The Rent-to-Own store employees were absolutely dynamic in this second year of their fundraising campaign," said Neal J. Johnson, President and CEO of Special Olympics New York. "We are very excited by such a tremendous outcome, even in this difficult economic year. This kind of dedicated effort is what keeps us providing our 47,654 athletes with the level of year-round training and competition they deserve. We offer our deep-felt thanks to the New York State Rental Dealers Association and their store customers for this wonderful donation."

Special Olympics New York provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-style sports for all children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of skills and friendship with their families, Special Olympics athletes and the community. Through their participation in Special Olympics New York athletes gain confidence and build a positive self-image, which carries into the classroom, the home, the workplace and the community.

Special Olympics New York is the largest program of its type in the U.S. Headquartered in Schenectady with regional offices in Long Island, New York City, Hudson Valley, Central, and Genesee, Special Olympics New York is a privately funded not-for-profit 501(c)3 agency that raises its operating budget mainly through the support and generosity of individuals, corporations and foundations. Special Olympics New York does not charge its athletes or their families to participate. Consequently, all moneys spent for athletes, coaches, competitions and volunteers must be raised through fund-raising activities.

    CONTACT:
    Susan MacBryde, 518.388.0790 x109, smacbryde@nyso.org
    Andrea Colby, e3communications, 518.431.1541, acolby@e3communications.com

SOURCE New York State Rental Dealers Association