by Michelle Mayer | Mar 12, 2026 | Chicago Marathon, Fundraising, Fundraising Events, Sponsors, Statewide, USA Games
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.
Find your nearest Jersey Mike’s store and together, Illinois can help send our athletes to the USA Games and show what’s possible when inclusion, community, and generosity come together.
by Michelle Mayer | Jul 1, 2025 | Change for Champions, Fundraising, Fundraising Events, Jewel-Osco
Special Olympics Illinois and Jewel-Osco are proud to once again partner for the annual Change for Champions campaign, raising essential funds and championing inclusion across Illinois.
This year, we are thrilled to spotlight Jewel-Osco team member and Special Olympics Illinois athlete, Devin, as the 2025 Change for Champions ambassador.
Devin has been a dedicated Jewel-Osco employee since 1998. Originally hired as a Courtesy Clerk, Devin now leads morning maintenance at one of the busiest stores in the region, and he does it all with pride, consistency, and a big heart.
His days begin before many customers walk through the doors, sweeping the lot, emptying recycling, and prepping the store to shine. From keeping restrooms spotless to handling special projects and organizing supplies, Devin tackles every task with excellence and enthusiasm.
“He’s phenomenal,” shares Jean Kugler, the store’s Front End Manager. “Devin doesn’t hesitate when something needs to be done. He even trains new associates because his work sets the standard.
Devin’s dedication extends beyond his assigned duties. He frequently steps in to bag groceries, help with carts, or offer a helping hand when others are overwhelmed. His leadership, teamwork, and strong work ethic have made him a role model for colleagues throughout the store.
Outside of work, Devin is an active athlete in Special Olympics Illinois. He proudly shares photos of his competitions, especially when he gets to cheer on or compete against fellow Jewel-Osco associates from other locations. His joy is infectious, and his love for Special Olympics Illinois radiates in every story he tells.
Devin’s journey perfectly embodies the mission of the Change for Champions campaign: to support and celebrate athletes with intellectual disabilities.
Throughout the month of July, customers can donate to Special Olympics Illinois at more than 180 Jewel-Osco stores statewide, either via pin pad or with cash at checkout. Every contribution creates opportunities for growth, personal development, and connection through sports, health, and leadership programs.
Find a participating Jewel-Osco store near you and support the campaign this July. Know that your donation helps incredible individuals like Devin shine on the job, on the field, and in the community.
by lauryn | Apr 14, 2025 | Athlete Leadership, Athletes, Chicago Ducky Derby, Fundraising, Jewel-Osco, Mission Focused, Region B, Signature Events, Uncategorized
Special Olympics Illinois is thrilled to introduce Zach Coppel of Highland Park as the 2025 Chicago Ducky Derby Ambassador. “Keeping the secret was hard,” Zach shares how he felt learning about his new title. “I was surprised and happy and I’m honored to do it.”
On August 7, Special Olympics Illinois will host the Chicago Ducky Derby, where thousands will gather to watch a truck full of rubber ducks splash down into the Chicago River.
Each year, Special Olympics Illinois selects an athlete to represent their peers naming them the Chicago Ducky Derby Ambassador. The Chicago Ducky Derby Ambassador advocates the mission of Special Olympics Illinois all Derby season, fundraises by selling ducks, and pulls the winning duck from the river on race day.
Zach was selected for this role because he is a passionate Special Olympics Illinois athlete, a leader and advocate in the community for individuals with intellectual disabilities, and is a dedicated member of the Darling Ducklings, the athlete-led Chicago Ducky Derby Fundraising Team.
Ambassador Has More Than 30 Years of Competition, Friendship, and Growth
Zach has been an athlete for more than 30 years, participating in countless competitions and making lifelong friends. His favorite sport? Alpine skiing, along with bocce and swimming.
Zach loves skiing for outdoor adventure, bocce for the chance to connect with friends across the state, and swimming for the number of teammates and friendly faces he meets.
When asked what keeps him coming back, Zach says it’s all about exercise, teamwork, and community. “To be a champion,” he says, “you’ve got to work as a team. To be a good teammate, you cheer your team on.”
Leading On and Off the Field
In addition to being a dedicated athlete, Zach is also an Athlete Leader. Athlete Leadership is a Special Olympics Illinois program that supports athletes as they develop skills and take on leadership roles.
“Zach’s confidence has grown so much,” states Zach’s mother, Micki Coppel. “He self-advocates and has the ability to try new things and take on new challenges.”
Zach uses his voice and experience to help shape the future of Special Olympics Illinois and advocates for inclusive opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
A Life of Independence and Community
Zach has lived independently for over a decade. “I love it. I get up when I want, and go to bed when I want,” he says.
He has worked at Jewel-Osco in Lake Forest for more than 12 years and has been in the grocery business since 2000.
In his free time, Zach loves cooking, watching TV, lending a hand when his parents need something fixed around their house, and spending time with friends. “I love having friends over to play card games,” he shares.
His family describes him as friendly, outgoing, and cheerful, traits that shine in everything he does.
From Selling Ducks to Selecting the Winner
Zach joined the Darling Ducklings Ducky Fundraising Team in 2022. The Darling Ducklings is a Chicago Ducky Derby Fundraising Team that consists of all Special Olympics Illinois athletes.
Year over year, the Darling Ducklings outsell every other Ducky Fundraising Team and significantly contribute to the overall goal to have more than 75,000 rubber ducks adopted by race day.
2025 marks the 20th anniversary of this annual fundraiser. This beloved tradition provides the community with a spectacular visual and fun experience while raising awareness and critical funds to support an inclusive community of more than 60,000 athletes, Young Athletes, Unified Partners, coaches, volunteers, and more across the state.
For the community to enter the race, participants can adopt ducks individually or in packages starting at $10. Each duck adopted supports Special Olympics Illinois statewide programing, plus represents a chance to win exciting prizes including the grand prize of a Chevy Trailblazer.
To support Zach and his fellow athletes, try your luck and adopt a duck.
by lauryn | Apr 11, 2025 | Fundraising, Gallagher, Polar Plunge, Statewide, Uncategorized
Gallagher’s longstanding commitment to Special Olympics Illinois is evident in both their financial support and hands-on volunteerism.
From cheering on athletes at competitions to jumping into icy waters at the Polar Plunge, Gallagher employees demonstrate their dedication to inclusion by putting their organization’s values into action to make a real difference.
More Than a Sponsor
Gallagher actively supports Special Olympics Illinois through fundraising, volunteering, and raising awareness through initiatives such as Champions Ball, Chicago Ducky Derby, and Polar Plunge.
Plus, employees regularly volunteer at sporting events by helping with logistics, cheering on athletes, or assisting wherever needed.
“Special Olympics Illinois gives our employees many opportunities to get involved with the organization on a deeper level, to get to know athletes, and be a part of their events,” said Angela Kim, Vice President of Marketing, Gallagher US.
“Our commitment goes beyond participation—it’s about creating lasting partnerships and ensuring we contribute to the success of Special Olympics Illinois athletes,” Kim added.
Taking the Plunge for a Cause
Each year, a team of Gallagher employees takes part in the Lake Michigan Polar Plunge—raising money for Special Olympics Illinois by jumping into frigid water.
The event has become a favorite tradition for many, offering a fun challenge that brings colleagues together while supporting athletes across the state.
In 2024, their team, Gallagher Polar Plungers, earned the Top Team award for their fundraising efforts by raising more than $14,600.
“The Polar Plunge fosters team spirit, camaraderie, and even some friendly competition, all while supporting a mission that is important to our organization and employees,” Kim continued.
Some employees return year after year. “This year was my third time plunging,” Kim said. “Even though I know what to expect, the ice-cold Lake Michigan water still makes me nervous. But right after I plunge, it’s the most exhilarating feeling and I really love supporting the Special Olympics Illinois athletes.”
Kim is not only a committed plunger but a competitive fundraiser. In 2025 she raised more than $4,600 as an individual and took home the Top Individual Fundraiser award.
Culture of Giving Back
Gallagher is committed to giving back to the community and supporting organizations that create meaningful impact.
Reflecting on how the Special Olympics Illinois mission closely aligns with the values of their organization, Kim said “Our partnership with Special Olympics Illinois reinforces our commitment to inclusion in both the workplace and beyond.”
Gallagher believes their involvement with Special Olympics Illinois contributes to a workplace culture that is centered around supporting, believing, acknowledging, and respecting the abilities of one another, one of their core tenets.
Employees say their participation with Special Olympics Illinois reflects their shared values and reminds them of the impact they can make.
Kim added, “It’s about more than financial support—it’s about changing lives.”
How to Give Back
Gallagher encourages companies to become involved with Special Olympics Illinois to make an impact in the community, engage employees, and build team morale.
Kim concluded, “Whether it’s through volunteering, fundraising, or providing corporate support, you’ll be making a positive impact that will resonate with your employees, strengthen your organization’s culture, and most importantly, help change lives for the better.”
Join Gallagher in supporting Special Olympics Illinois and help create inclusive opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities.
