Collinsville Casey’s store is tops in state in Special Olympics fundraising
The Collinsville location of Casey’s General Stores bested the competition in aiding Special Olympics Illinois.
Stores throughout Illinois helped raise funds for Special Olympics this June with the Casey’s General Store Promotion. Stores, in partnership with Coca-Cola, sold $1 pin-ups with proceeds being donated to Special Olympics as well as a percentage of sales from 44 oz. fountain drinks featuring Special Olympics athletes being donated to the nonprofit.
More than 22,500 athletes with intellectual disabilities and nearly 20,000 young athletes ages 2-7 with and without intellectual disabilities in Illinois will benefit from this fundraiser. The promotion raised $170,530.75 statewide and more than $730,000 across 15 states.
A check was recently presented by the top fund-raising store in Illinois — the location in Collinsville, which took in $4,270.
“We try to raise $5,000 every year. We came pretty close,” said Lori Forsythe, Collinsville Casey’s store manager. “Many of us can’t give right out of our pockets, so this is a great way for the team to give back. We try to be No, 1 every year. It makes us feel good to give to a great cause.”
“We are thankful for all they (Casey’s) do for our community,” said Chief Steve Evans, Collinsville Police Department. “We love Special Olympics and do anything we can to support our local athletes.”
The company’s values are rooted in a sense of belonging to the communities in which it operates, which aligns with Special Olympics’ vision of inclusion for all athletes. Together throughout Illinois the Casey’s Promotion raises awareness about different abilities and helps foster growth for our programs.
PHOTO: Members of the Casey’s General Store staff in Collinsville pose with officers of the Collinsville Police Department and athletes. Officer Trent Ross is at center rear and Chief Steve Evans is at center right. Athletes shown are Faith Short, front far right, and Tiffany Webb, front far left.
