Ventures Endurance, part of Gannett’s (NYSE: GCI) USA TODAY NETWORK Ventures, today announced Special Olympics as the official charity partner for the 2023-2024 Hot Chocolate Run series. With 5K, 10K and 15K distances and a virtual race option, the run series attracts over 115,000 runners. The series kicks off on October 1 in Denver, CO and continues across 17 cities including Chicago, Philadelphia, Houston, San Francisco, Nashville, Phoenix, Denver and Seattle through April 2024.
Each Hot Chocolate Run participant will be given the option to donate to Special Olympics during the registration process. A fundraising page will automatically be generated for each runner upon completion of their registration for peer-to-peer donations. In addition, each running bib will have a tear off tab, allowing participants to donate an additional $3 to Special Olympics at the run. As the charity partner, Special Olympics will have a presence at the race Expos or on race day highlighting the organization’s mission and how to become better engaged with the organization’s programming and events.
“We are thrilled to have Special Olympics as our charitable partner for the upcoming Hot Chocolate Run series,” said Kaitlyn Greenleaf, Vice President, USA TODAY NETWORK Ventures. “We value their partnership and dedication to creating a better world by fostering the acceptance and inclusion of all people – encouraging others through the power of sport and programming in education, health, and leadership.”
“Ventures Endurance’s Hot Chocolate Run series is a one-of-a-kind invitation to inclusion,” said Shira Mitchell, Senior Vice President of Development, Special Olympics. “Through this partnership, Ventures Endurance will raise funds for critical Special Olympics programming while giving friends, families, and communities a chance to connect and have fun. We are profoundly grateful to Ventures Endurance, who shares Special Olympics’ spirit of joy and the understanding that sport has the power to bring us together and remind us that we are more alike than we are different.”
Every dollar donated to Special Olympics can significantly change the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by helping them discover new strengths and abilities, skills and success. A $5 donation can provide one week of training for a Special Olympics athlete while a $75 donation can provide one year of support for an athlete. For more information about Special Olympics, visit https://www.specialolympics.org/.
To learn more about the Ventures Endurance Hot Chocolate Run series and how to register, visit https://www.venturesendurance.com/hot-chocolate/. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, contact volunteer@venturesendurance.com.
