PCCS matches proceeds of Special Olympics fundraiser

Putnam County Comprehensive Services pledged to match the proceeds from a fundraiser held more than a year ago for local Special Olympics athletes. Present for a check presentation on Tuesday are (from left) athlete John Thomas, DePauw football coach Brett Dietz, athlete Kelly Stearly, PCCS Executive Director Andrew Ranck, Special Olympics coach Cindy Holland, Special Olympics Treasurer Anita Edenfield, Buffalo Wild Wings General Manager Cole Newhouse, athlete Anthony Ingram, athlete Janet Spurling and DePauw football players Matteo Curley and Blake Kaufman.

Banner Graphic/BRAND SELVIA

A few months after the last Monon Bell Classic in November 2019 saw an exciting DePauw victory over the Wabash College Little Giants, a point was made to get the coveted trophy out into the Greencastle community.

This included the Bell making an appearance at Buffalo Wild Wings last year for a fundraiser to support Special Olympics in Putnam County. Hosted by the DePauw football team, the event raised $1,011 in a collaboration with the restaurant and Putnam County Comprehensive Services (PCCS).

However, restrictions due to COVID-19 were put into place not long after the fundraiser. As such, in-person Special Olympics events did not take place last summer.

In spite of this, Comprehensive Services pledged to match the proceeds from the event. This came to fruition last Tuesday with PCCS making out a donation of $2,022 to Special Olympics.

PCCS’ executive director Andrew Ranck told the Banner Graphic that having DePauw Athletics as a partner was essential, in that the football program served as a model for other clubs and organizations getting involved.

Those who would like to donate to Special Olympics can visit https://pccsinc.org/support-us/ to learn more. Comprehensive Services has committed to matching donations between now and May 31 up to $2,000. This year’s games are set shortly afterward in June.