Sallarulo's Race for Champions

2008 Sallarulo’s Race for Champions 5K Race/Walk Raises $700,000 for Special Olympics

The 2008 Sallarulo’s Race for Champions 5K Race/Walk, benefiting Special Olympics Broward County was held on February 10, 2008 at Nova Southeastern University.   Over $700,000 was raised and over 1200 people participated.  “It is such an honor to be raising money for Special Olympics Broward County.  We want this race to become one of the largest in the country.” says Paul Sallarulo, chairperson for Special Olympics Broward County.

The 2008 5K Race/Walk goals were to:
• Establish an annual fund raising event to benefit Special Olympics Broward County and build a Special Olympics Broward County Sports Complex.
• Educate the Broward community that Special Olympics is a year round program.
• Share the Athlete’s gifts, skills and friendship with our community.

The 2008 Sallarulo’s Race for Champions 5K race/walk was a huge success.  We surpassed our goals for amount raised and participants in the race.  We had over 80 Special Olympics athletes participate in the race and many of them brought family, friends and coaches along with them for this wonderful experience.  Many of our sponsors sent groups of runners and walkers.  Special thanks to: Advanced Roofing, Inc., Broward Health, Cardinal Gibbons High School, Children’s Diagnostic Treatment Center, J.P. Taravella High School, McArthur High School, Miramar High School, Nova Southeastern University, Office Depot, Pine Crest School, Sunrise Middle School, Victory Living Program and the Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa for getting groups out to join in the race.  Each participant in the race received a medal for their efforts. Awards were given for top 3 overall racers and top 3 racers in various age groups.

Special thanks to Jay Feely of the Miami Dolphins.  Jay gave an inspirational speech to start the race, ran in the race and then gave out sponsor plaques and race awards. Our Special Olympics athletes were thrilled to interact with Jay and he was most gracious to all at the race.

This event’s success was due to the generosity of our sponsors AND to the over 1,000 participants that donated under $500 to support the race.

Don Taft of The Taft Foundation Donates $500,000 To

Special Olympics Broward County

Don Taft of The Don Taft Foundation generously donated $500,000 to the 2008 Sallarulo’s RACE FOR CHAMPIONS.  This donation will allow Special Olympics Broward County to begin the process of building a sports complex and expand the training, social and recreational opportunities provided for our special athletes.  Mr. Taft envisions a facility for our special athletes to train, compete and socialize.  He realizes that participation in the Special Olympics program enriches the lives and improves the confidence and self-image of hundreds of children and adults with intellectual disabilities in our community.  Special Olympics still has a lot of work and fundraising to do for our new home.  There are many naming opportunities still available and opportunities to donate your time and expertise for our permanent home.

2008 RACE FOR CHAMPIONS SPONSORS

SUPER HERO SPONSOR

Don Taft -The Taft Foundation

HERO SPONSOR

In Memory of Katherine & Pat Sallarulo

CHAMPION SPONSORS

Broward Health

Nova Southeastern University

Pine Crest School

Pinion, Inc.

Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa

TITANIUM SPONSORS

Broward County Medical Association

Dr. Violet McCormack & Thomas McCormack

Jay Feely – Miami Dolphins

Nexera

Paul, Patrick & Samantha Sallarulo

Sharon Zamojski

PLATINUM SPONSORS

A.J.  Nassar – Michelle Pesonen

ANESCO North Broward, LLC

Dr. Pat & Susan Sallarulo

Lorraine Thomas

MICROFLEX

Mikela & Alexa Warman

Sunrise Middle School

GOLD SPONSORS

21^st Century Holding Company

Advanced Roofing, Inc.

Alverez & Marsal

Cazio LLC

FreshPoint-A-One-A Produce & Dairy

J.P. Taravella High School

KPMG – Chuck Pisciotta

North Broward Radiologists, P.A.

Nova Southeastern University Alumni Association

Office Depot

SILVER SPONSORS

All Service Refuse

Alliance Sports Management

Angelina Amorello

Broward Pulmonary & Sleep Specialists

Cathy & Chris Papas

Children’s Diagnostic Treatment Center

Heart Lung Surgical Institute of South Florida, LLP

Heather & Mike Crowley

In Memory of James DeMaio

In Memory of Julius Hanken

In Memory of Justin and Matthew Boddy

In Memory of Rose DeLello

Jared Schwartzman

Klaus Roggenbuch

Mind, Body & Spirit Chiropractic

Mirtha Toledo

Non-Stop Entertainment

Notre Dame Club of Fort Lauderdale

NSU, Health Professions Div.

Paramont Vending, Inc.

Pediatrix Medical Group, Inc.

Seiler, Zaden & Rimes

Town of Davie

BRONZE SPONSORS
ACAI Associates
Agata Sallarulo
Amaturo Family Foundation, Inc.
American Institute of Massage Therapy
Amerigroup Community Care
Ashok K. Sharma, MD
Best Buddies Broward
Broward County Republican Party
Broward Gold Coast Down Syndrome Society
Broward Surgical Associates
Cameron Cove
Cardinal Gibbons High School
Christopher Sallarulo
Connie Francis
David Richstone
Donna Lipka
Exchange Club of Pompano Beach
First Path
Florida Partners LLC
Frank Ortis
Glaceau
Ida Iandoli
In Memory of Bob Brown
In Memory of John Salemi
In Memory of Johnny Mann
John Coban
Judith  & Spencer Levine
Kaye Stevens
LaMarca Construction Corporation
Mark & Mindy Nichols
McArthur High School
Miami Dolphins
Michael Puder
Miramar High School
Moss/Miller Joint Venture
NSU, Huizenga School
Palm Beach Pulmonary & Sleep Specialists
Paul & Ann Marie Lundmark
Rebecca & Steven Stoll
RIC Executive Search
Russel P. Nash – William R. Nash, Inc.
Tralliance Corporation
Tripp Scott, P.A.
US Mgt. One Inc.
Valarie Cavalier
Violet McCormack, MD
Volkmar & Margarita Dirksen
Withers Transportation