This September, Sarah is climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro. She is joining her aunt, Brenda McHugh. They are dedicating their efforts to supporting a very important cause in Brenda's life–Special Children’s Charities. In 1969, Brenda’s late husband Jack McHugh founded Special Children’s Charities, the fundraising arm of Special Olympics Chicago. 50 years later, Jack’s idea is still growing and creating positive change. Brenda and Sarah are committed to seeing it thrive for another fifty years.
19 years ago, Brenda found herself unable to accompany her father and nephew as they successfully summitted Mt. Kilimanjaro, in Tanzania. She vowed to make the trip someday, but nearly two decades of obstacles intervened, making Kilimanjaro seem like a goal she might never reach.
Sarah and Brenda plan to reach the summit on September 15, Brenda's father's 83rd birthday.
Brenda and Sarah’s efforts will raise funds to support children and adults with intellectual disabilities. They are hoping to commemorate the work Jack started 50 years ago, and make sure that it continues for the next 50 years.
Please follow Sarah’s journey here and on social media and donate to support her efforts today! Help me reach my goal and see the direct impact your donations makes:
- A donation of $65,000 provides 2,600 athletes with lunches, awards & t-shirts for competitions.
- A donation of $65,000 covers the cost of 1,300 pairs of snowshoes for Special Olympians.
- A donation of $65,000 buys a lift ticket and ski rentals for 650 athletes participating in Alpine Skiing.
- A donation of $65,000 provides 260 buses to transport teams to and from a local competition.
- A donation of $65,000 grants the opportunity for 130 athletes to fly to a national competition.
