Press Release
SPECIAL OLYMPICS JOLLY JAUNT TO BE HELD AT BEVERLY HOSPITAL AT DANVERS
Participants of this year's Special Olympics Jolly Jaunt will be
jingling all the way as they run the 5K race. That's because
runners are asked to attach jingle bells to their sneakers, adding
to the already festive holiday attire that participants tend to
wear on race day.
For the fourth consecutive year, Beverly Hospital at Danvers
will host the Special Olympics Jolly Jaunt 5K race on their grounds
to benefit local Special Olympics athletes. "The hospital has
been very welcoming and kind to allow us to have it there every
year," said Diane Agganis, association section director for the
Special Olympics. "The hospital has employees who volunteer to
staff the registration table every year. They've been very
supportive and it's been wonderful working with them." This year's
race will be held on Sunday, Dec. 4 with registration beginning at
11 a.m. The traditional Fun Run-a 1K race for kids ages 5 to 13,
and under 8 with an accompanying adult-will take place at noon and
the 5K will begin at 12:30 p.m.
"The Jolly Jaunt has been a tradition for many years now and has
turned into a great way for families, athletes and companies to
celebrate the holidays," said Bob Johnson, president and CEO of
Special Olympics Massachusetts. "We are just honored that so many
people celebrate the holidays with Special Olympics sports and
health programs in mind."Jolly Jaunt race participants can run in
the timed race, walk at their own pace, or simply help raise funds
for the cause by sponsoring a participant or making a general
donation.Following the race, there will be a holiday party at 1:30
p.m. where participants can win prizes such as an iPod Touch and a
Keurig Brewing system, and enjoy a free holiday smorgasbord donated
by local restaurants. There will also be prizes for each age group
winner.
Race participants are asked to get in the spirit and come decked
out in their best holiday attire, including antlers, Santa hats and
festive red and green. Agganis explained that over the years, she
has seen some incredible costumes."We had one father dress up as a
candy cane one year," Agganis said. "I've seen people in full elf
costumes, reindeer costumes, and a man dressed as a Christmas tree
one year. People really go all out for this."
Pauline Pike, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating
Officer, Northeast Hospital Corporation said they are proud to
partner with Special Olympics on the Jolly Jaunt."As a community
hospital, we take great pride in being an active part of the
communities that we are privileged to serve. As an
organization, we first thought about starting our own road race to
benefit a specific charity, and soon realized how huge of a project
that was. At the same time when we were debating the
possibilities, we were approached and asked to host and be the lead
sponsor for the Jolly Jaunt in Danvers. It was great timing, and
I'm proud to say that on December 4, 2011 we'll be hosting and
sponsoring our fourth Jolly Jaunt to benefit Special Olympics."
Since the inception, Beverly Hospital at Danvers has donated
nearly $200,000 to the Special Olympics through the Jolly Jaunt.
The funds are used to support the overall health of individuals
with intellectual disabilities through athletic competition, health
screenings and educational programs. The funds are also used to
support uniforms, equipment and year-round training and competition
costs for the local Special Olympics athletes. "It takes a lot to
put on our Special Olympics competitions," Agganis said. "Being a
nonprofit, we wouldn't be able to do it without the generosity of
the hospital and the generosity of the people who participate in
the Jolly Jaunt."
Pike said, "When I think of Special Olympics and the athletes,
only one word comes to mind - inspirational. The money raised
helps provide opportunities that only a short time ago did not
exist for individuals with intellectual and physical
disabilities. Knowing that the dollars raised during the
Jolly Jaunt are making a measurable impact is extremely
satisfying. I am also very proud of our employees who serve
on the planning committee for this event and to all of the
employees and their families who come out the day of to show their
support."
Agganis explained that it costs approximately $525 per athlete
per year, and a total of 4,000 athletes from communities such as
Danvers, Beverly, Peabody and Salem participate in the
competitions."The dollars raised from the Jolly Jaunt go directly
to local athletes from the North Shore," Agganis said. "The funds
raised provide our athletes with continuing opportunities to
develop physical fitness, prepare for entry into school, express
courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts,
skills and friendships. It gives them so much confidence and it
gives them a sense of accomplishment. They have trained for 8 to 10
weeks in the sport they are competing in and they are getting
awards after they compete so they do feel that they've accomplished
something."
Agganis is hoping for a big turnout this year.
"Last year we raised close to $80,000 and if we could top that,
that would be amazing," Agganis said. "We had more than 800 runners
last year and if we could increase the number of walkers and
runners to 1,000 or more this year that would be incredible."This
year participants can look forward to a bountiful buffet of food
provided by more than 40 local vendors, Agganis said. "Everyone
always comments on the food, but it's going to be even more amazing
this year," she said. "You don't get food like this after any other
race."
How to support the cause
TO PARTICIPATE IN THE RACE Want to support the Special Olympics
by participating in this year's Jolly Jaunt in Danvers? Head over
to www.jollyjaunt.org and click on Danvers to register for the race
and obtain race day information.
TO DONATE If you're not able to participate in the race, you can
still help fundraise for the Special Olympics by sponsoring a
participant or making a general donation. You can donate online at
www.jollyjaunt.org, to print out a copy of the donation form and
mail it in. Cash, check and money order donations, along with
donation forms, can be mailed-or dropped off-at the Special
Olympics MA office, located at 100 Conifer Hill Drive, Suite 302,
Danvers. All checks and money orders should be made payable to
Special Olympics MA.
Race information
Already signed up to participate in the 2011 Jolly Jaunt 5K?
Here's what you need to know:
WHAT Special Olympics Jolly Jaunt 5K race and fundraiser
WHERE Beverly Hospital at Danvers, 480 Maple St., Danvers
WHEN Sunday, Dec. 4
WHAT TO WEAR Come dressed in your best festive holiday attire.
Reindeer antlers, Santa hats, holiday sweaters and other festive
gear is encouraged.
EARLY T-SHIRT PICKUP AND REGISTRATION Saturday, Dec. 3 at Texas
Roadhouse, 301 Newbury St., Danvers, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Anyone
who registers at the Texas Roadhouse will be given a free
appetizer
ON RACE DAY
· Participants can still register the day of the race.
Registration is from 11 a.m. to noon in the tent behind the
hospital
· The 1K kids Fun Run will begin at noon
· The 5K race will begin at 12:30 p.m.
· A post-race holiday party will be held for participants at
1:30 p.m.
PARKING
Participants can park at the Essex Aggie School on Maple Street,
the North Shore Community College Danvers campus on Ferncroft Road
and at Hogan Regional, which is located across the street from the
hospital. A trolley will be taking participants from the parking
areas to the hospital.
