Special Olympics fundraiser

Expect “good food and fun” when School Resource Officers collect donations for Special Olympians during Wings and Rings from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 4 at Toot’s on South Church Street.

Toot’s will offer a Wings and Rings special of 10 wings and a half order of onion rings for $5.99 in honor of Special Olympics.

SROs will ask diners to donate for Special Olympics. Those donations will be used to pay transportation and costs for about 500 mentally challenged Rutherford County and Murfreesboro city school students to participate in the field and track meet April 7 at MTSU, said Special Olympics chair Lou Paschall.

“Special Olympics is probably the only opportunity some of these students will have for athletic competition,” Paschall said. “There are some of our athletes who look forward to this day all year. It is really special to them because some of their peers from school cheer them on.”

MTSU athletes run the competition including the softball throwing, running and walking.

“It’s really a day when these individuals are the stars and get a lot of recognition,” Paschall said. “It’s really a special day for them.”

Special Olympics appreciate the help from Toot’s, Sheriff Mike Fitzhugh, the Sheriff’s Office and the SROs.

General Manager Matt Utterback of Toot’s South said Toot’s supports the community.

“By having such loyal customers that continue to support us, we are able to contribute to great causes such as the Special Olympics,” Utterback said. “Over the years, we have had the opportunity to meet many of the athletes and sheriffs that compete and help with the event. We look forward to raising support and awareness for some very wonderful people.”

Fitzhugh said the Sheriff’s Office and the SROs support the students who compete in Special Olympics.

“The Sheriff’s Office and the SROs are committed to helping students,” Fitzhugh said. “Special Olympics is a wonderful opportunity for the students to be winners in athletic competition.”