Dunkin’ Donuts franchisees of Rhode Island and Bristol County, MA donated $75,252 to Special Olympics Rhode Island and Special Olympics Massachusetts South Section recently, as part of the annual Pound of Coffee promotion. Through the promotion, Dunkin’ Donuts franchisees donated 25 cents for each one-pound package of coffee sold at shops in Rhode Island and Bristol County Massachusetts during the months of November and December. On hand to present help present the check was Wyc Grousbeck, Managing Partner and CEO of the Boston Celtics, who also served as the keynote speaker for the Special Olympics Sports Celebrity Carnival Luncheon.
“For nearly 20 years, our relationship with the Special Olympics has evolved to become a cornerstone of our community partnership program,” said Todd Wallace, Field Marketing Manager for Dunkin’ Donuts. “We are continually inspired by every Special Olympic athlete, coach, and volunteer, and are thrilled to be able to support them with this annual initiative.”
“Dunkin’ Donuts’ support of our organization allows thousands of athletes to exercise their competitive spirit year round,” said Michael McGovern, Special Olympics Rhode Island Executive Director. “On behalf of the athletes and their families, we thank Dunkin’ Donuts and their customers for their ongoing support and for exemplifying the same spirit of the Special Olympics.”
A sponsor of Special Olympics since 1988, Dunkin’ Donuts’ is the Presenting Sponsor for all competitions held in the South Section of Special Olympics Massachusetts throughout the year. Dunkin’ Donuts’ generosity has helped provide training and competition opportunities year round in 26 sports for over 3,000 athletes in southeastern Massachusetts. As a result of their support over the years, Dunkin’ Donuts has been inducted into the prestigious Special Olympics Massachusetts Hall of Fame.
“No company in southeastern Massachusetts matches the level of generosity—and length of service—that Dunkin’ Donuts delivers in support of Special Olympics,” said Jay O’Brien, Special Olympics Massachusetts South Section Director. “Their annual Pound of Coffee promotion is a shining example of how a great company partners with a great cause in smart pursuit of a common goal: to improve people’s lives right here in our local communities.”
The mission of the Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for individuals with intellectual disabilities by giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community.
