Willow Glen Resident

Cover Story

Photograph by Vicki Thompson

Special Olympics participant Alyssa Gallego, 9, from Fremont holds up her participation ribbon after bowling during the Elks Lodge Special Olympics event in Willow Glen. The daylong event drew special-needs individuals from throughout the area.

Winners All

Elks efforts means everyone comes out on top

By Emilie Crofton

Richard Bartels has been an Elks member since 1955 but for him, volunteering his time to raise money and support the community will never get old.

"Helping the community is what the Elks are all about," Bartels said. "This is where we do our best work."

The San Jose Elks Lodge No. 552 in Willow Glen held a fundraising event to raise money for the Special Olympics. The Aug. 18 event was the Elks' major charity project of the year.

One hundred percent of the event's proceeds went to the Special Olympics, which provide year-round sports and training for those with developmental disabilities.

At this year's fundraiser the lodge had a full palette of sporting events to encourage and excite those involved in the Special Olympics. The events included indoor bowling, soccer kickoffs, basketball hoop shots, horseshoes, putting contests and pool activities. Money was raised through donations, a food booth, raffle, silent auction, bake sale and spin wheel.

About 70 special-needs participants were registered in the events, although some volunteers and families were disappointed with the small turnout.

"It's a great event," said Larry Stringer, whose son David was a special-needs participant. "I just wish more people would have come to support it."

The event was open to participants age 8 and older.

"I like it; I'm having fun," said Jonathan Nobuhiro, clutching a handful of colorful ribbons he had received from each event. "I have ribbons from all the events because they are all my favorite sports."

Jonathan's mother, Emi, said the events are fun for children and family members with special needs.

"It's great for the athletes to socialize with different groups of people. It's really good for Jonathan," Nobuhiro said. "The Special Olympics is one of the best organizations for children and adults with special needs."

The participants at the Special Olympics train all year long for these events. Penny Brisson, head track and field coach for the participants, volunteered her time at the Elks' fundraising event.

"This is a great way for the community to learn about the Special Olympics," said Brisson, whose been coaching for 16 years. "It's great for the athletes to be able to come here, compete and show off what they can do."

Elks member, Annie Cross, chairperson for the fundraiser, was thrilled to be able to help raise money for the Special Olympics.

Cross volunteered with the Special Olympics for years as the golf coach and thought sponsoring the Special Olympics would be a great charity event for the Elks.

"I've been volunteering most of my life with the Special Olympics," Cross said. "It's just very satisfying for me to see the Elks helping the organization."

A number of Elks members volunteered their time.

Twenty-one-year Elks member Tony Denfantino and his friend Beverly Memeo came out to offer their support.

"More people need to get involved," Memeo said. "It's a very rewarding experience for everyone."

Bartels said raising funds for the Special Olympics would help improve awareness and support between communities.

"As Elks we are committed to helping communities," Bartels said. "This event exposes our members to the needs of the participants."

Elks member George Schifano works with the San Jose Search and Rescue team and was pleased to be part of the fundraiser.

"A number of the people we search for are those with special needs because they wander off and get lost," Schifano said. "Our being here is a good fit for this function."

Schifano wanted families to hear about a new project that could help families when a member with special needs gets lost: "Project Lifesaver," which assists search and rescue workers to locate those lost by using a radio transmitting wristband.

The wrist bands are currently used by clients with Alzheimer's disease and children with autism who wander away from their caregivers.

"Now instead of taking us hours and hours to find someone, we're able to locate them within minutes," Schifano said.

Despite the low turnout, Cross remained optimistic members would be able to fill the coffers because donations are ongoing.

"It's a great organization and a great way to help the community," Cross said.

Donations can be sent to the Elks Lodge, at 444 W. Alma Ave. in San Jose, CA, 95110. For more information, call 408.298.3880.