Donations help District 15 Special Olympics recoup from theft

Less than two weeks after a thief struck a Special Olympics fundraiser, both the team's spirits and coffers have been restored.

From Cary to Naperville, donations began pouring into the Palatine Township Elementary District 15 Bluejays following a Daily Herald article detailing the crime and a TV report.

"An extended community has shown us so much kindness and support and that has been simply overwhelming," coach and adaptive physical education teacher Terri Storino said.

Streamwood police haven't made any arrests in connection with the incident, which took place on Feb. 20 in the hours leading up to the Bluejays' annual fundraiser at the Seville banquet facility.

District 15 Director of Student Services Cindy Phelps said about $1,900 has been donated, more than making up for the $1,000 worth of stolen gift certificates and raffle items. The group, which operates on a budget between $10,000 and $15,000, relies almost exclusively on the annual event.

One person contributed $750 in memory of his grandson, and another parent gave $500. An anonymous donor dropped off a canopied Radio Flyer Ultimate Classic Wagon, which will be raffled off at a future fundraiser.

And this week, the District 15 Foundation will present a check to the Special Olympics team during basketball practice.

"I never imagined people would be as generous as they have been," Storino said.

A different form of support will soon go out to the 40 or so students who compete on the District 15 Bluejays bowling, basketball, snowshoeing, soccer, and track and field Special Olympics teams.

A group of District 15 special needs students wants to be cheerleaders, so Fremd High School student Jenny Winberg has organized an event to help raise money for uniforms.

On March 12-14, Photo's Hotdogs in Palatine will donate 25 percent of sales to the new cheerleading team when customers mention the Special Olympics. Photo's is located at 301 N. Northwest Highway.