Alexandria Group Home Residents Aim for Special Olympics
November 10th, 2009 Categories: Alexandria, Del Ray
A few weeks ago we wrote about our neighborhood chili cook off and how a particular group of folks had turned an otherwise dismal, rainy night into an unforgettable occasion. Particular because the group all live at the Bellefonte Group Home. The home is a part of the Alexandria Community Services Board and each of the 16 adults has special needs.
In addition to winning the 8th Annual Del Ray Chili Cook Off, the group, self-named “the MOB” (Members of Bellefonte), have set their sights on entering their basketball team – the Wizards - in the national Special Olympics.
The Wizards won the local Special Olympics basketball tournament in 2008. They knew they could do better though and with the encouragement of their coach they set themselves a rigorous training and practice schedule. They also began raising money for entry fees, uniforms and trophies to give out at the upcoming local venue in December.
So far the Wizards have raised $800 through several bake sales, a yard sale and a raffle. They’ve done this on their own and with some help from their neighbors at Bellefonte Garden Apartments.
But now its time for the entire community to get involved. Last night the Del Ray Citizens Association announced that it would support the Wizards with a community bake sale this Saturday at the Del Ray Farmers Market. There are three ways to help:
- Bake and donate – bring your favorite baked goods to the Farmer’s Market on Saturday morning to contribute to the sale. Whole pies and cakes, wrapped single serving brownies, a bag of cookies, etc. (please mark ingredients for those with food allergies)
- Buy and donate – stop by the Bellefonte Wizard’s booth at the market and stock up for the week!
- Donate directly – for those without a sweet tooth (or watching their waistlines) we’ll collect donations at the booth or you can mail a donation to Bellefonte Wizards, c/o A Show of Hands, 2301 Mt. Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22301.
Several individuals have pledged to match whatever money to bake sale brings in so now is not the time to be shy. This is a great community effort by Alexandrian’s, supporting a group home in their bid for the Special Olympics, and another example of why Del Ray is our favorite place to live.
Michael
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