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.