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 2009. 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, 72 cents directly support the athletes. Ask your employer to match your donation and your gift to us is doubled!

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 Endowment Fund 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. Businesses can liquidate the sponsorship fee by employee team fundraising or by hosting an event or conducting a cause marketing campaign.

SPECIAL EVENTS
Our events are a great way to build team spirit for any group, organization or company. Whether it's plunging into the icy waters of Missouri during our Polar Plunge season, going Over the Edge by rappelling down a building, running in one of our 5ks -- just to name a few -- you'll be guaranteed to have the time of your life while helping SOMO change lives. Participate as a team or as an individual, and have fun while raising funds for the athletes of Special Olympics Missouri. You can support SOMO and our athletes by organizing a golf tournament, bowl-a-thon, poker run or similar type of event.

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.