Boost for Special Olympics
By Amy Lavalley Post-Tribune correspondent July 5, 2011 1:42PM
Bryce Deslauriers,15, plays "Bozo Buckets" with Penny Petersen, a coach and athlete, during the Livin' It Up music and fun fest at Sunset Hill Farm County Park in Valparaiso, Ind., on Saturday July 2, 2011. | Stephanie Dowell~Sun-Times Media
AT A GLANCE
For more information about Porter County Special Olympics, visit the website
www.porcoso.org.
Article Extras
Updated: October 31, 2011 9:59AM
Julie King’s oldest daughter, Nicole, 17, has been involved with Porter County Special Olympics since she was a preschooler.
“We got her in swimming right away; it’s a great program,” the Valparaiso mother said. “We’re really proud to be a part of it.”
So proud, in fact, that last August, King and her husband, John, came up with a fundraising idea to help offset the costs incurred by the program. King has contacts in the music business because she is a talent scout, and thought it would be great to throw a concert to benefit Special Olympics.
On Saturday, the not-for-profit sponsored the first Livin’ It Up music and fun fest at Sunset Hill Farm County Park. It featured several local musicians, children’s activities and other events.
“What a great way to get bands to donate their time, raise some money and get some crowds in here,” King said, adding she hoped to see more than 1,000 people at the inaugural event.
Paula Myers, secretary for both the board of Porter County Special Olympics and the group’s boosters, also thought it was a great idea.
The local chapter has 600 athletes who participate in several sports, from basketball to bocce.
Myers’ son, Bryan, is 35 and has participated in the Special Olympics program since he was 8.
“We help them out with the things they need, like uniforms and transportation to state meets,” said Myers, of Valparaiso. “Every penny we raise goes directly back to the athletes,”
Though some of the sports have entrance fees at competitions, the chapter has a scholarship program.
“No athlete in Porter County is turned away because of money,” she said.
Myers said she hoped Livin’ It Up catches on and grows next year. The chapter’s largest annual fundraiser is the Elvis Festival each October at Woodland Park in Portage.
Solo musician James Saqui was more than happy to donate his time for the festival. The Valparaiso native, who lives in Remington, does covers, including classic rock and 1980s music.
“I was asked if I wanted to participate; I said, ‘Of course,’ ” Saqui said, adding he and King went to school together. “She’s been really supportive, and it’s a great cause.”
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