During the month of February Special Olympics of Pasco was the featured charitable giving organization at the Pasco County Tax Collector’s five locations. Special Olympics of Pasco is a sports and training program for people with intellectual disabilities. In Pasco year round training in 17 different sports are provided free of charge to participants. This was the first time Special Olympics of Pasco was spotlighted at the Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office. Raising funds, selling specialty tags and building awareness of the program were all goals of February’s charitable giving campaign.
“We are so thankful to the entire Pasco County community,” comments Val Lundin, Director of Special Olympics of Pasco County. “It is so uplifting to see how the community embraced our program and gave so generously. With their kind donations, our athletes will continue to have the opportunity to participate and demonstrate their strengths and abilities. Pasco strong!”
At a check presentation ceremony held at the Land O’ Lakes office of the Tax Collector, athletes, family members and tax collector staff joined in the festivities (see photo attached). A total of $8,797.54 was raised through cash donations and the sale of the “Support Special Olympics Florida” specialty license plates.
“Special Olympics of Pasco has long held a special place in my heart,” states Tax Collector Mike Fasano. “I’m proud that our staff and the community as a whole stepped up to support this organization that helps bring purpose to so many lives. The athletes and the volunteers who work with them are some of the kindest, most positive people I have ever met. To see the joy on the face of an athlete as they cross the finish line in a race or some other event is indescribable. So many of the athletes have intellectual challenges that make life difficult already. Special Olympics of Pasco provides a respite from those difficulties as well as a place to be with others who also aspire to do their very best.”
For more details regarding the charitable giving program, or services provided by the Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office, please contact Greg Giordano, Assistant Tax Collector at 727-847-8179 or visit www.pascotaxes.com . For more information about Special Olympics of Pasco please contact Valerie Lundin, Director at 727-774-3062 or visit www.specialolympicspasco.org .
[Photo Attached – Tax Collector Mike Fasano, Special Olympics of Pasco Director Val Lundin, athletes, family members and tax collector staff were all on hand to deliver the check to the Special Olympians]