Athlete Wish list items distributed at Winter Party

Mother Nature cooperated providing a cold blustery day outside while 200 participants enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, wandering minstrels and each other’s company at the 15th annual Special Olympics NY Genesee Region Winter Party hosted by the Lodge at Woodcliff on Thursday evening January 27th. The Winter Party kicked our 2005 Sports Season which includes over 60 Local and Regional Competitions for our athletes. Sports items on the Athlete Wish List, donated by the attendees and collected at a Holiday Party hosted by John and Martha Dreste were distributed to the coaches present. Thanks to John and Martha and to everyone present for helping make our athletes wishes come true.
Don Alhart, who MC’d the event is pictured here with Special Olympics athletes Andy Marshall, Jodi Schmeer, and Joe Iaconis.
Joe Iaconis, a Special Olympics Global Messenger, gave the keynote address – reading a very moving editorial about the passing of Rosemary Kennedy, whose life and capabilities were inspiration for her sister Eunice Kennedy Shriver to found the Special Olympics movement. Joe added his own personal insight on what an incredible impact Special Olympics has had on him and other athletes within the region. Thanks to Joe for sharing his heart felt sentiments and thanks so much to Peter McCrossen and the staff at Woodcliff for hosting this annual event.