For years, a group of corporate philanthropists have gathered to play games to raise money for the Special Olympics of Southern California, Santa Barbara Region. On April 26, after the four years of Give-A-Palooza Games, $100,000 has been raised.
A number of the participating companies have been involved in Give-A-Palooza since its inception, while others joined along the way, and there is always room for more participants.
The main reason these companies are involved in the event is to foster teamwork with employees and Special Olympics athletes, promote fun competition, and raise money for an organization dedicated to improving the lives of people in our community.
There is a secondary, not-so-serious reason, though. The teams are after the bragging rights of winning the games and taking home a 4-foot-tall trophy. This year, Cottage Health will display the trophy until May 2020.
Cottage Health beat out teams from Deckers Brands, Montecito Bank & Trust, Procore, Cox Communications, Santa Barbara Zoo, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara, and The Towbes Group.
Fitness 805 is key to the success of the games as they have donated their time to organize the sports for the athletes and the scoring of the games since the beginning of Give-A-Palooza. The games are announced by event emcee and commentator Joe Buttitta.
The athletes and spectators were fueled with food and drinks from Rusty’s Pizza, Coca-Cola, Powerade and Kona Ice.
Special Olympics is the world’s largest sports organization for people with intellectual disabilities. Through the power of sports, people with intellectual disabilities discover new strengths and abilities, skills, and success.
Athletes find joy, confidence and fulfillment on the playing field and in life. They inspire people in their communities and elsewhere to open their hearts to a wider world of human talents and potential.
“Give-A-Palooza continues to bring the corporate community together for a day of fun and friendly competition,” said Michelle Konoske, CFO of the Towbes Group.
“Our team members at the Towbes Group talk about this event all year long and it has quickly become one of our favorite community involvement opportunities,” she said.
The event continues to grow with new sponsors, new games, and a new champion each year. Companies interested in participating in the 5th Annual Give-A-Palooza Games in 2020, can contact Jessica Doss at jdoss@towbes.com.
— Jessica Doss for The Towbes Group.