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Aequitas Gives Back

Aequitas Is Pacesetter For Special Olympics Oregon

For the past five years, Aequitas Capital Management has invested energy and financial support into Special Olympics Oregon (SOOR), a program that creates participation and achievement opportunities for more than 8,000 Oregonians with intellectual disabilities.

Aequitas is the Presenting Sponsor of the Governors’ Gold Awards.  Now in its tenth year, the event is one of SOOR’s largest fundraising activities which attracts an invitation-only audience of nearly 1,000 corporate and civic leaders. 

The 2011 event was hosted by Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber, along with former Governors Ted Kulongoski, Barbara Roberts and Victor Atiyeh.  In addition to serving as a benefit for Special Olympics Oregon, the event pays tribute to individuals, companies, organizations and communities that have contributed to the greatness of Oregon.

Special honorees included Ken and Joan Austin, the co-founders of A-dec, Inc., a dental supply company in Newberg, Ore.  The Austins are making it possible financially to restore SOOR’s Summer State Games for the next four years.

Other honorees of the 2011 gala include: Steve McCoid, who leads the Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association; Dan Wieden, who co-founded Portland-based advertising giant Wieden+Kennedy; Mark Donegan and Steve Hackett of Precision Castparts Corp.; Portland resident Jean Auel, an international best-selling author; and Dick Withnell, chairman of Salem-based Withnell Motor Company.

Aequitas CEO Bob Jesenik serves as Chairman Emeritus of the nonprofit organization’s volunteer board after completing a year of service as chairman in 2010.  Aequitas Capital Management’s presenting sponsorship of the Governors’ Gold Awards is similar to contributions made by Fred Meyer, Amica Insurance, Nike and Safeway.

“One only needs to look into the eyes of a Special Olympics participant to understand the significance of these activities in their lives,” said Jesenik.  “It is a wonderful experience for the participants, but I think it has an equally powerful impact upon those who volunteer.”

The year-round program currently serves nearly 8,000 Oregon participants and relies upon 7,000 volunteers to host training and competition opportunities in 15 Olympic-style sports.  Special Olympics participants train intensely for eight weeks prior to each State Games event.  Volunteer coaches are responsible for training the athletes after completing a certification program and attending training sessions.

The support by Aequitas has earned the appreciation of Special Olympics Oregon CEO Margaret Hunt: “Through its generous support for the Governors’ Gold Awards program and its volunteer service, Aequitas is making a significant difference in the lives of thousands of Special Olympics Oregon participants.  With engaged partners like Aequitas, we are able to serve even more athletes in the years ahead.”

Special Olympics Oregon estimates that 70,000 athletes could be eligible for its activities across the state.

The Special Olympics movement began nearly 50 years ago when Eunice Kennedy Shriver started a summer day camp for young people with intellectual disabilities at her home in Maryland to explore their capabilities in a variety of sports and physical activities.  Special Olympics, Inc. was formed in 1968 and has grown to serve 3.7 million athletes in 170 countries.