Tesoro Sponsors Special Olympics Fundraiser

SAN FRANCISCO -- Tesoro Corp. recently sponsored a fundraising rappelling event at The Grand Hyatt San Francisco that benefited Special Olympics Northern California. As many as 90 thrill-seekers made their way down the east side of the 38-story San Francisco Union Square hotel July 23-24.

Those who climbed and bounced down the hotel wall on two ropes had each gathered pledges from donors leading up to the event. Special Olympics raised more than $150,000 from the fundraiser, with long-time supporter Tesoro serving as the presenting sponsor.

"We're excited about offering a new experience while raising much-needed funds for our athletes," Rick Collett, CEO and president of Special Olympics Northern California, said in a news release issued by the organization. "Our athletes have a lot of courage and take risks everyday when they try to do something thought to be impossible by most."

All participants had to be in good health, and weigh no less than 110 pounds and no more than 300 pounds. The rappelling was supervised by Over the Edge trained personnel, a Nova Scotia-based company that organizes rappelling events across North America.

All funds raised will go directly toward providing training opportunities, equipment, uniforms and practice venues for some 14,000 Special Olympics athletes across Northern California.

Special Olympics Northern California is a free, year-round sports training and competition program for children and adults with developmental disabilities. About 14,000 athletes compete in more than 170 competitions throughout the region in 12 sports. Financial support comes almost exclusively from individuals, organizations, corporations and foundations.