Midas Franchisees Raise Over $10k for ‘Special Olympics’ Program

The program providing intellectually disabled athletes with a place to compete received donations from franchisees within and outside the U.S.

NOLN Staff Reporters

Aug. 20, 2024

Back Row (L to R): David Thomason, President of Special Olympics Virginia and Mark Smith, Franchise Owner of Midas of Richmond Front Row (L to R): Danée Hudson, Development Manager, Midas of Richmond, Kaitie Fisher, Operations Manager, Midas of Richmond; James Tench, athlete; JP Mines, athlete; Pam Mines, Capital Area Region Director of Special Olympics; and Holly Claytor, Vice President, Development & Communications of Special Olympics Virginia — Back Row (L to R):
David Thomason, President of Special Olympics Virginia and Mark Smith, Franchise Owner of Midas of Richmond

Front Row (L to R):

Danée Hudson, Development Manager, Midas of Richmond, Kaitie Fisher, Operations Manager, Midas of Richmond; James Tench, athlete; JP Mines, athlete; Pam Mines, Capital Area Region Director of Special Olympics; and Holly Claytor, Vice President, Development & Communications of Special Olympics Virginia

Midas franchisees within as well as outside the U.S. came together to raise over $10,000 for Special Olympics, according to a press release.

Special Olympics is an international program that provides individuals with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to compete in a variety of different sports categories.

L to R: Sherwin Hojjati, Midas Field Operations Specialist; Jim Miller, Division Vice President for Midas; Sasha Cruz, Special Olympics Southern California athlete; and Luis Ramirez and Anthony Artega, Midas Sales Associates. — L to R:
Sherwin Hojjati, Midas Field Operations Specialist; Jim Miller, Division Vice President for Midas; Sasha Cruz, Special Olympics Southern California athlete; and Luis Ramirez and Anthony Artega, Midas Sales Associates.

Franchisees located in California, Indiana, Virginia, and Nova Scotia all pitched in to raise money in support of the program, with their efforts culminating in a donation of over $10,000.

The fundraiser was part of a year-long campaign by Midas to celebrate its 68th anniversary. Last year, the company did something similar with its 67 Acts of Kindness initiative.

“We are honored to support the Special Olympics and the work they do year-round to help children and adults with intellectual disabilities discover new strengths, abilities, and skills through sports,” said Lenny Valentino, Jr., president and COO of Midas. “These contributions reinforce Midas’s commitment to positively impacting the local communities where we operate and fostering the development of tomorrow’s leaders by empowering them to reach their fullest potential.”