Athletes join together for fundraising and Christmas cheer

MARQUETTE — The Special Olympics Winter Games are just around the corner and athletes were raising funds while spreading a little Christmas cheer.

Thursday night the Olympians and their families gathered for their annual Trim the Tree event. Area restaurants, grocery stores and friends donate food and drink for a meal, and attendees donate ten dollars eat. The money goes toward the various costs of being an athlete, including equipment and travel.

But, the night is about more than just going for the gold.

“Trim the tree gives Olympians an opportunity to participate and share in a holiday spirit type of social gathering. We’ve always thought that the benefit to the athletes was worth everything that we put into it,” said Sean O’Donnell, chairman of the Trim the Tree Committee.

The evening also included piano music for entertainment and the presentation of awards for Outstanding Athlete and Outstanding Community Agency.