This March 2026, Jersey Mike’s Subs is once again proving that great things happen when communities come together. Jersey Mike’s 16th Annual Month of Giving is officially underway, and for the second time, franchise owners and operators nationwide are uniting around a single cause, the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.
Since the Month of Giving launched nationally, Jersey Mike’s franchises, team members, and generous customers have raised more than $143 million for local charities. This year, those dollars will help ensure the 54 Illinois athletes and Unified partners on Team Illinois have the support and resources needed to get to the biggest stage of their athletic careers.
How It Helps Illinois Athletes
Throughout the month of March, customers can support Special Olympics Illinois every time they visit a participating Jersey Mike’s location. Guests can round up their purchase or make a donation at the register or through the Jersey Mike’s mobile app, knowing their contribution is helping to support Special Olympics Illinois athletes and those heading to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.
The campaign culminates on Wednesday, March 25, with Jersey Mike’s Day of Giving. On this special day, 100 percent of sales from participating Jersey Mike’s restaurants will be donated to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games and the local state programs, like Special Olympics Illinois.
Nationwide, Jersey Mike’s hopes to raise enough money to ensure every qualifying athlete can attend the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, while also breaking last year’s record-setting $30 million raised during the Month of Giving.
Going the Extra Mile for Special Olympics Illinois
Giving back is deeply personal for many Jersey Mike’s franchisees, including Alex Gowin, a longtime owner and operator of nine Jersey Mike’s locations in downstate Illinois.
Alex is taking his support even further by running the 2026 Chicago Marathon in support of Special Olympics Illinois. A longtime runner, business owner, and proud supporter of the movement, Alex is combining his passions to raise awareness and funds to help create opportunities for athletes to reach their full potential.
“Special Olympics Illinois has a massive positive impact on people’s lives,” Alex shared. “I’ve built incredible relationships with athletes and staff, and I couldn’t think of a better cause to run for.”
Join the Movement
Supporting Special Olympics Illinois has never been easier … or more delicious. Stop by your local Jersey Mike’s Subs anytime in March, round up your order, or donate through the app.
And be sure to mark your calendar for Wednesday, March 25, when every dollar spent goes directly to support Special Olympics.
Respect Week is an annual, statewide movement where students celebrate during the first week in March by championing inclusion, kindness, and respect within their schools and communities.
Each year, the Special Olympics Illinois Unified Generation Committee develops the Respect Week campaign focusing on disability awareness and respect for all This statewide effort will reach more than 205,000 students across Illinois, creating real change through unified action.
The 2026 campaign will educate the community on disabilities like hydrocephalus, autism spectrum, microcephaly, craniosynostosis, ADHD, and more.
“Thank you to everyone who has promoted and encouraged engagement in this outstanding campaign,” shares Jillian Hosteny, Director – Youth Leadership & College Engagement, Special Olympics Illinois. “Our Youth Leaders are very proud of the work they have done.”
Respect Week promotes respect for all people, of all abilities, through shared activities and meaningful conversations. Schools across Illinois will spend the week celebrating what it means to be unified, to be kind, and to be courageous enough to speak up.
Standing Up Against Bullying
A key part of building a culture of respect is recognizing how our words and actions affect others, especially when it comes to bullying. This featured anti-bullying video encourages students to think deeply about how they treat one another.
Many of our Youth Leaders, like Unified pair Ireland and Derek, are already setting that powerful example. Special Olympics Illinois sat down with them to discuss bullying in schools.
One sign of respect is taking responsibility when you’ve hurt someone, according to Ireland. “Always apologize,” she says. “Realize what you did wrong and try to fix it.” Her message reminds us that change begins with acknowledging our impact and choosing to do better.
Derek adds another important perspective, calling on students to look out for one another. “Stop the hate, stop being mean to other kids.” His message is simple but strong: respect starts when we decide that every person deserves to feel safe and valued. He adds, “stop the bullying, just end it.”
These insights reinforce what Respect Week is all about, creating spaces where kindness is the norm, differences are celebrated, and students feel ready to stand up for themselves and each other.
At the 2025 Champions Ball, our premier annual gala dedicated to celebrating and fundraising for athletes with intellectual disabilities across the state, we will spotlight two individuals whose powerful stories capture the spirit of the evening and demonstrate our mission in action.
This year’s Champions Ball will honor Chicago athletes, Brandon Dorsey, our featured athlete speaker, and Anthony Walker, who will co-host the evening alongside WGN’s Emmy Award-winning anchor Erin McElroy.
Brandon Dorsey Speaking from the Heart
Brandon’s journey with Special Olympics Illinois began with encouragement from his teachers, and it’s been a story of growth and determination ever since. Living in Chicago with his mom, Brandon has found community through sports like flag football and basketball.
His proudest moments come from pushing past challenges and chasing dreams, like helping his team win a three-peat championship at the IHSA State Basketball Tournament. “When they hadn’t won before, I used that as fuel,” he says. “You just have to keep going.”
Brandon’s speech at the Champions Ball will reflect his experience as an athlete, a teammate, and a leader. “I like to be thrown into the fire,” he says with a smile. “I’m chill about it, I like surprises.” Whether he is producing music, strumming his guitar, or rocking his favorite sneakers, Brandon brings creativity and confidence to everything he does.
To him, inclusion means showing up, supporting others, and being part of something bigger. “You don’t have to know everybody,” he says. “But when people rock with you, it’s enjoyable.”
Anthony Walker Co-Hosting with Style
Anthony Walker is a Chicago native with a love for sports, old-school R&B, and making people smile. He has been part of Special Olympics Illinois for more than 17 years, competing in basketball, softball, flag football, volleyball, bocce, and snowshoeing. His motto? “Do your best. We ain’t giving up.”
Anthony lives with his brother Aaron, who describes him as “brilliant and excellent.” In his free time, Anthony enjoys watching Wheel of Fortune, washing dishes, and scrolling on his smartphone. He is also a fan of Bobby Womack and Teddy Pendergrass, music that reflects his smooth, classic vibe.
One of Anthony’s proudest moments came during Autism Awareness Month, when his voice was featured on the CTA’s L train announcements. His dad, a longtime bus driver on the 43rd route, and has since passed away, would have been proud.
As co-host of the Champions Ball, Anthony will bring charisma, humor, and heart to the program. “You have to get involved in stuff,” he says. And he is doing just that, acting in the spirit of inclusion and leadership that defines Special Olympics Illinois.
Brandon and Anthony remind us that when athletes are supported to use their abilities, their impact reaches far beyond the playing field.
On October 12, the streets of Chicago will come alive as 54,000 runners take on the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Among them, one-third are charity runners, each running for a cause close to their hearts.
For Team Special Olympics Illinois, this race is about creating inclusion and opportunity for athletes across the state.
The 2025 Team Special Olympics Illinois consists of 21 dedicated runners. Among them, one Special Olympics Illinois athlete, two staff members, six volunteers, one LETR officer, and four athlete family members.
Though each runner has a personal reason for participating, they are united by a shared mission to build a more inclusive world alongside individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Meet Joseph Santello: Running for 26 Friends
Joseph gave the reason “26 miles for 26 friends” when joining Team Special Olympics Illinois. He has been a friend and advocate for individuals with intellectual disabilities since 2010, and his passion for inclusion runs deep.
“I have many friends who have special needs and many of them enjoy participating in Special Olympics Illinois competitions,” shares Santello. “I want to support them!”
To share his journey, Joseph created a website highlighting the stories of each of his 26 friends.
“Many people in this world don’t see the beauty and truth of someone with intellectual disabilities,” said Santello. “Some people turn their heads when they see someone out in public, and I hope to help change the lives of others so that won’t happen.”
Santello’s commitment caught the attention of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon’s “Find a Runner. Help a Cause.” campaign, which selected him as a featured charity runner.
“It’s been a huge honor,” said Santello. “I am hopeful that people hearing about my story will help get the word out about this incredible organization.”
Art Meets Impact: A Life-Size QR Code Installation
To amplify the message of charity runners, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon partnered with local artist Bob Faust to create a life-size QR code installation outside the Art Institute of Chicago.
The piece, titled Impact Adds Up, incorporates real items donated by six charities, including Special Olympics Illinois, symbolizing the tangible difference these organizations make for individuals and communities.
As Rita Cook, President, Bank of America Chicago puts it, “everybody’s running for something bigger than themselves.”
Show Your Support
Every mile run and every dollar raised helps Special Olympics Illinois create opportunities for growth, personal development, and connection through sports, health, and leadership programs for more than 18,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities.
Liz Litvak knows her way around a doctor’s office. As someone living with a disability and a genetic disorder, she’s met with countless specialists over the years. But even with all that experience, speaking up during appointments hasn’t always come easy.
That’s why she joined a new health simulation session hosted by Special Olympics Illinois and the University of Illinois Chicago’s Simulation and Integrative Learning Institute (SAIL).
The goal? To help athletes build confidence in communicating with healthcare professionals, and to strengthen their ability to advocate for their own care.
That opportunity came to life in July, when a small group of athletes gathered to learn skills to improve communication and self-advocacy during doctor visits.
“Because I go to a lot of appointments for my disability and genetic disorder, I see many specialists,” shared Region B athlete Liz Litvak. “That’s why I wanted to participate in this project.”
Practicing for Real-Life Care
A health simulation is a “pretend” interaction between patients and healthcare professionals, designed to mirror real-life experiences. In this case, athletes met with trained actors portraying doctors.
The goal is to practice navigating common medical scenarios in a safe, supportive environment.
Inside the Simulated Appointments
Each athlete participated in two simulated doctor’s appointments.
In the first scenario athletes prepared for a first visit with a new doctor to discuss managing a chronic condition. This scenario tasked the athlete to discuss current medications, medical history, symptoms, and allowed time to ask healthcare provider questions.
Then, in the second scenario athletes were asked to respond to a treatment plan that could impact their ability to compete in sports. Here, they practiced expressing concerns, asked about various treatment options, and negotiated treatment alternatives.
Turning Practice into Confidence
After each scenario, athletes debriefed with staff and peers to reflect on what went well and what could be improved. Discussions centered around how to self-advocate and to learn how to communicate respectfully and confidently.
“One of the doctors asked me questions during our session, and it really stood out,” Litvak shared. “It reminded me how important it is to be honest with your doctor.”
Athletes thrive when given the chance to grow, and these simulations are showing us new ways to support them on their health journeys.
“This experience gave me more confidence to speak up,” Litvak said. “I know I’ve gotten better at advocating for myself during my doctor’s appointments, and I want to help teach others to do the same.”
Programs like this show what’s possible when athletes are supported not just on the field, but in every part of life. Whether in sports, health, or leadership, their success lifts us all.
