A few weeks ago I sent out a plea to help the individuals and families who participate with Special Olympics. As I mentioned, I’m Chairman of the Goldcorp Invitational Golf Tournament – one of only two public fundraisers a year for Special Olympics. And I need  your help.

Let me say up front that we received a good response from MoneyTalks listeners, many of the analysts who appear on MoneyTalks and businesses who participate at the World Outlook Financial Conference.

It was terrific to see. Actually, it was more than that – it’s one of the highlights of my year. We are inundated with people who talk a good game but that’s as far as it goes. That’s why it’s so encouraging to see people step up and take action. Many of them know that Special Olympics reaches out to people with intellectual disabilities but may not have had the opportunity to see firsthand the incredible impact on their lives.

If you haven’t had the chance then you’ll have to take my word for it. Too often people with intellectual disabilities are overlooked – disconnected from the community at large. Special Olympics bridges that gap. The story I hear most often from our athletes is that Special Olympics is where they make friends – usually for the first time.

I think it’s safe to say that Special Olympics end their isolation, builds their self esteem and has a profound impact on the quality of their lives and that of their families.

Anyways, I think you can tell that I can go on…and on…and on – and would be happy to elaborate at any time – but I think you get the picture. So the question is – can you help? Maybe you or someone you know would be willing to buy a $1,500 Tee Sponsorship. (Remember it’s tax deductible, which means it costs about $750.) Or could contribute an item or service to the Silent Auction? Or maybe even an online donation.

I should finish by telling you that looking for opportunities to help Special Olympics is a huge reason I continue to do MoneyTalks. That’s why I’m reaching out to you and hope you’ll be able to help.

Allow me to finish by coming back to one of my favourite all time quotes. Jim Rohn, author of Seven Strategies for Wealth and Happiness nailed it when he said, it’s easy to lend a helping hand, the only thing easier – is not to.

I understand all the demands made upon us – but I also understand that one of the best foundations of financial success comes from lending a hand to others.

One more thing – take a look at the list of people below who have already reached out to help. I hope it puts a smile on your face – as it does mine – knowing we live in a community with people like this.

Thanks for taking the time to read this,

Mike

PS if you can help please let me know by emailing me at mike@moneytalks.net with the Special Olympics in the subject line.

Stepping Up To Make A Difference

With Thanks to:

Neil McIver at McIver Capital

Andrew Ruhland at Integrated Wealth Management

John Murphy at Performing Equity

Paul Dickson at Resource World Magazine

Jeff Olin at Vision Capital

Lianne & Mike Kirilenko at Studio City Rentals

Ron Roddick at Discount Hawaii Car Rental

Kelly Wong & Jerry Au at Spitzer Golf Products

Eamonn Percy at Percy Group

Eric Coffin at HRA Advisors

Josef Schachter at Schachter Energy Report

Tyler Bollhorn at StockScores

Ryan Irvine at Keystone Financial

Rob and Michael Levy at Border Gold

Ozzie Jurock at Jurock Realty

Jatinder Rai of Response Advertising

Anthony Beyrouti of Venue Kings

Kevin Lemoal of Emergent Environmental & Rail Services

Paul Beattie at BT Global

Scotty Grubb of Oliver Heights Development

David Morgan of the Silver Investor

Martin Murenbeeld of Murenbeeld & Co

Vanni Barbon

Ken Shirk – Notary Public

Chris Metcalfe of Mediquest

Stu Rodges

Neil Moody

Martin Cownden of Chef on the Go

Mark Dabielski

Tim Collins