Special Olympics Santa Barbara Hosts Annual Fired Up for Special Olympics Fundraiser

Special Olympics athletes to present awards to 2017 honorees— Athlete of the Year Jessica Simon & Volunteer of the Year Kayla Edwards

Special Olympics Santa Barbara will host its 3rd Annual Fired Up for Special Olympics Fundraiser on Saturday, October 21st from 5pm to 10pm at the Santa Barbara Carriage Museum which will be hosted by the City and County Fire Fighters. Even though California has had the worst fire season in history, our local fire heroes, from the Fire Captain to the new recruits, show up to selflessly display their support for the Special Olympians of Santa Barbara. This year’s event will include a silent and live auction, Santa Maria-style BBQ, open wine and beer bars, dancing, and music by guitarist Maitland Ward.

All eyes will be on this year’s Special Olympics Santa Barbara Athlete of the Year,

Jessica Simon. The 35-year-old Special Olympian is a Global Messenger, Vice President of the Athlete Input Council, assistant coach, employee at Alpha Resource Center, volunteer, advocate, singer, and student at SBCC. This past year Jessica fearlessly traveled to China to participate in a Special Olympics Play Unified event. Jessica is currently taking several classes at SBCC on her way to earn her degree in Teaching Special Education, and regularly accepts any opportunity to address audiences in speaking engagements and National Anthem singing opportunities. When Jessica isn’t competing in tournaments, she can be found participating in women’s marches or speaking at local rallies for people with special needs.

The fundraiser dinner will also celebrate Volunteer of the Year, Kayla Edwards, who has deep roots in community involvement and service. Edwards serves as Santa Barbara Family YMCA’s Associate Membership Services Director, and is a Special Olympics Team Wellness trainer, Golf and Softball coach, Games Management Team member, and sits on the Regional Leadership Committee. From securing facilities, recruiting fellow coaches to fundraising, Kayla has been an integral part of the success of our local Special Olympics events.

“We are thrilled to be able to host this event at the historic Carriage Museum this year,” said Gina Carbajal, Regional Director of Special Olympics Santa Barbara. “Special Olympics offers much more to our athletes than an opportunity to exercise — it’s a place for athletes with intellectual disabilities to compete, work together as a team, learn responsibility, good sportsmanship and hone their athletic skills. We look forward to celebrating all of our athletes together with the community at this year’s “Fired Up” Dinner.”

Please feel free to contact Donna Reeves with any questions or if you require any additional information on 805-884-1516 x 102 or email dreeves@sosc.org .