New York State Rental Dealers Ignite Olympic Torch Sales
The New York State Rental Dealers Association has adopted Special Olympics as the organization that all 266 member stores will fundraise for in an effort to give back to the communities in which they do business.

For the Sponsor an Athlete program, store customers can donate $1, $3, $5 or more, through October 3, 2009 and receive a paper olympic torch icon, yellow with a blazing red flame, on which they can write their name and have posted on the wall in the store. Stores will track the donations and the information will be posted online at Special Olympics for all to see, encouraging friendly competition among members to see who can raise the most money.

“Supporting this organization has been meaningful to our staffs and customers based on how worthwhile we find this cause,” said Association President Dave Edwards of SEI/Aaron’s. “Special Olympics New York provides great support to the Sponsor-an-Athlete program with the stores and we’re proud to help. As we do every day in our stores, we are trying to help others get what they want out of life.”

"The Association selected Special Olympics because we all know someone who is challenged by disabilities, but more importantly, conquered these disabilities,” said Cathy Skula, Public Relations Chairperson for the Association and a Regional Director for Rent-A-Center. “Yes times are tough, but we believe in the cause and are committed to doing more to help our local Special Olympic athletes achieve their goals.”

“We’re thrilled to have the NYS Rental Dealers Association supporting Special Olympics again,” said Neal J. Johnson, President and CEO of Special Olympics New York. “The association did an outstanding job promoting the fundraiser and exceeded their goal last year. We expect that even with an aggressive goal, the dedication of their staff will make this another equally successful program.”

Aaron's in Buffalo

PHOTO: Ed Speidel (far right), General Manager of the Aaron’s at 2227 South Park Avenue in Buffalo, joins his staff in welcoming a visit from Special Olympics New York athlete Stephen Ballow (left of Ed) and Director of Program, Shelby Baker (left of Stephen), in our Western Region office. Stephen trains for Special Olympics competitions with a golf team at the Buffalo Tournament Club in Lancaster.

The Aaron’s store has so far raised over $1,500 for Special Olympics New York in sales of paper olympic torches to store customers. “We’ve exceeded our original goal of $1,000 and we’re on pace for $2,000,” said Ed Speidel. “Several hundred dollars were raised in just one night at Manny’s Restaurant and Bar on Seneca Street, which donated an evening of food and drink to Aaron’s so we could sell the paper torches as a raffle for a new television from the store.”

Aaron's in Rochester

PHOTO: Brett Deuschle, manager of Aaron’s at 1106 E. Ridge Rd. in Rochester, joins his staff in front of the Olympic Torches they have sold to store customers in support of the athletes of Special Olympics New York. From left to right, Brett Deuschle, Mayda Alvarez, Mike Huertas, Wanda Vega and Gil Rodriguez.

Aaron’s located at 1106 E. Ridge Road in Rochster has so far raised over $686 for Special Olympics New York in sales of paper olympic torches to store customers. Aaron’s is a member of the New York State Rental Dealers Association, which has adopted Special Olympics as the organization that all 266 member stores will fundraise for in an effort to give back to the communities in which they do business. Store manager Brett Deuschle has driven the success of Aaron’s olympic torch sales. Deuschle is also a longtime volunteer for Special Olympics New York, regularly assisting the staff at athletic competitions and supporting the organization in many other ways.

“Brett is a local volunteer who truly does carry the Torch for our athletes” said Laurie Kennedy, Regional Director for Special Olympics New York. “Brett and his family can be found at local events, running a skills competition, awarding medals or cheering on the athletes. Brett and his colleagues at Aaron’s donate the use of furniture for the Comfy Lounge in the athlete recreation area at Olympic Village, Plunge in the frosty February waters at the annual Polar Plunge and Brett serves on our regional Corporate Advisory Committee. He says he gets his inspiration and so much more back from the athletes, and I believe that says it all.”