Throughout this Annual Report, we have highlighted ways that Special Olympics Missouri created a community among our athletes, volunteers, coaches, family members, staff members and supporters in 2008. These accomplishments are possible because individuals and organizations invest in SOMO with both human and financial resources.

There are several ways an individual, corporation or foundation can spread the word of our program. Your contribution, whether it is time, expertise, goods and services or funds, directly affects SOMO athletes, coaches and families. We invite you to share your experience with others and help us grow exponentially in years to come.

Here are seven ways you can directly invest your resources with SOMO:

CASH DONATIONS
Operating our program requires a considerable amount of unrestricted cash donations to fund our year-round programs. For every dollar raised by SOMO, 76 cents directly support the athletes.

IN-KIND GOODS AND SERVICES
Thousands of dollars worth of budget relieving products and services, provided free-of-charge to SOMO, are as valuable as a cash contribution or promotional partnership.

PLANNED AND MAJOR GIFTS
SOMO has a planned and major gifts program through which you can leave your legacy by designating SOMO in your will, by making a lifetime contribution or by contributing stock or property.

VOLUNTEER FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS MISSOURI
Special Olympics Missouri can provide you with an opportunity to help change the lives of other people. Volunteering your time and expertise is an investment that continues to pay off long after everyone has left the playing field.

SPONSORSHIPS
SOMO sponsorship packages can increase sales, offer employee development opportunities and build a positive community image. Our media partnerships and event and online exposure deliver results that offer a great return on investment.

SPECIAL EVENTS
A great team building exercise - Polar Bear Plunge, 5Ks, Trivia Nights and Poker Runs to name a few. Participate as a team or as an individual, and have fun while raising funds for the athletes of Special Olympics Missouri.

SPREAD THE WORD TO END EXCLUSION
Attend a competition and cheer on our athletes. Instead of looking away when you pass by people with mental disabilities, smile and say hello. Invite them to sit by you or go to dinner with you. Make a pledge to stop using the word “retard” at www.r-word.org, and encourage your friends and family to do the same.

For more information about any of these opportunities, visit Special Olympics
Missouri online at somo.org or call us at 1-800-846-2682.