Lake Zurich family helps make Special Olympics fundraiser a success

A Lake Zurich family who has been involved with Special Olympics Illinois for years was part of an effort that yielded the organization's most successful regional fundraiser to date.

Betsy and Tom Thompson have four children: Tommy, 27, and triplets Dylan, Matthew and Alessandra, 25. All live in Lake Zurich except Alessandra, who lives in Indianapolis. Dylan has Down syndrome and has competed since about age 8 in Special Olympics, including gymnastics, basketball, bowling, boccie and golf.

The Thompson parents are members of a fundraising committee that organized the Pro-Am golf outing and fundraiser last month at The Grove Country Club in Long Grove. The event raised more than $87,000 for Region B of Special Olympics Illinois, which includes Lake County, McHenry County, and North suburban Cook County.

The committee also includes Lou Marosi, Rich and Bryn Perna, Jim and Linda Bolotin, Debi, Jeff and Carrie Greenberg, Barb Nolan and Jordan Feldman.

This was the first golf fundraiser held by Region B, Betsy Thompson said. "It's awesome. It's a great feeling," she said.

Special Olympics is an opportunity for athletes like Dylan to be active, be part of a team and make friends, giving them something to look forward to, particularly after they finish school, Betsy Thompson said.

"It's life. It's what we all want - and they get that opportunity to do that," she said. "It's in a very loving environment. They all cheer each other on. Their oath is, 'Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.'"

Tom Thompson is a board member for Special Olympics Illinois, and the family participates "in any kind of fundraising that we can," his wife said.

Alessandra Thompson raised about $25,000 for Special Olympics Illinois during her senior at Lake Zurich High School, which she persuaded to choose the organization as the recipient of the school's annual fundraiser. She also fundraised while at Butler University.

Matthew and Tommy Thompson have volunteered at innumerable events, including Summer Games, and Matthew also helped coach gymnastics, their mother said.

"We are all involved. It's a phenomenal organization."

As for future fundraising, "We will be back next year to break $100,000" she said.