BY TIMBO SHRIVER
PALS FAMILY
We often ask members of our PALS Family "Why PALS?" to learn how our mission has impacted their lives. This month, we heard from PALS Board Chair, Timbo Shriver. He shares his dedication to the mission of PALS since 2010.
“I’ve had the honor of experiencing PALS from all different angles and seeing it through immense growth and challenges.”
Dear PALS Family,
I met Jenni and Jason at the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Boise, Idaho and heard about Camp PALS for the first time. I had grown up in the Special Olympics movement as a unified partner, coach, and volunteer, but they told me I had to experience the PALS magic in person.
I joined Camp the next summer in 2010, and I was paired with Jason. We had a ridiculous amount of fun. We belted Glee songs together on the stage in karaoke in front of a hundred new friends. We played hot potato late into the night in our quad with our friends. And we raced through Camp Olympics with my old friends from Special Olympics, Eli and Steve.
Needless to say, I was hooked. Not only did I have the time of my life, but I experienced friendship and belonging in ways I never had before. And I’ve never left. In the summers that followed, I joined PALS as a head counselor and then as a part of support staff. Then I joined as a member of the Board of Directors. And last year, I became the Board Chair. I’ve had the honor of experiencing PALS from all different angles and seeing it through immense growth and challenges.
As we return to week-long Camps after two years of modified experiences, I am more excited than ever for the future of PALS. We have learned and grown from the challenges of the past two years. We have a bold vision for growth. And we are rooted in a committed and connected community.
Our community of parents, participants, volunteer leaders and donors has inspired and supported us through this difficult time — we are so grateful. Now we need your help to leap forward into this new era. PALS is committed as always to ensuring that financial limitations are never a barrier to participation, and that is why PALS needs your support. Current and former members of the board are committed to this vision, and that is why they are joining me in matching all funds raised this summer up to $125,000 to reach our goal of $250,000. Will you join us?
PALS is emerging from this challenging moment stronger than ever before. And we want to make sure that no one misses the chance to experience the PALS magic. Please join us in making that possible.
Thank you!
PALS Love,
Timbo Shriver
If you’d like to make a difference and support the mission of PALS, donate here. We look forward to ensuring everyone can experience the PALS magic. Thank you for being a part of the PALS family!