Special Olympics of Pasco was the featured charitable giving organization at the Pasco County Tax Collector’s office this past April. Special Olympics of Pasco is a sports and training program for people with intellectual disabilities. In Pasco, 1500 students participate in Special Olympics. Training in almost two dozen different sports is provided free of charge to participants.
Funds raised last year helped the Pasco team attend the 2022 National Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando earlier this month. The Pasco County flag football team, the Dolphins, won gold. Additionally, two Pasco athletes medaled in swimming and the triathlon (Andrew Ahearn won bronze in swimming and triathlon and Walter Fischer won gold and two bronze medals in relay-swimming events). A total of $7,100 was raised to benefit Special Olympics of Pasco during this charitable giving drive.
“Special Olympics of Pasco County would like to thank the Mike Fasano Tax Collector Offices for their donation,” comments John Yerke, Leadership Coordinator. “These funds will help spread the word about acceptance and inclusion across Pasco County.”
“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 our community supports 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. So many of the athletes have intellectual challenges that make life difficult. To see the joy on the face of an athlete as they cross the finish line is indescribable. Special Olympics of Pasco provides a respite from the difficulties many deal with daily. It also provides 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 Joeyn Dearsman, Senior Program Manager at 727-774-3062 or visit https://www.specialolympicsflorida.org/contact
[Photo – Chief Deputy Tax Collector Tim Couet, Assistant Tax Collector Greg Giordano, Special Olympics of Pasco Leadership Coordinator John Yerke, athletes, family members and tax collector staff were all on hand to deliver the check to the Special Olympians]
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