Alberta dealers surpass $5 million for Special Olympics


The 27th annual Motor Dealers Association of Alberta (MDA) Charity Classic raised $275,011 for Special Olympics Alberta, pushing the event’s cumulative tally to over $5 million.

“I am so proud to be part of an industry that has had such a positive impact on the lives of so many. Providing Special Olympians the opportunity to dream, to achieve, to learn and to thrive is extremely rewarding,” said the event’s chairman, Duane Koch, senior VP and partner, Koch Automotive Group.


Koch’s involvement perpetuates the legacy of the event’s founder, Murray Koch, who is Duane’s uncle (and original owner of the Koch Ford dealership in Edmonton).

What began as a dream to unite auto dealers across the province in the effort to make a difference to their communities has grown into SOA’s most significant fundraiser, representing 30 per cent of its annual budget.  

“Special Olympics Alberta is privileged to be the charity of choice for the MDA,” SOA president and CEO Kirk De Fazio told participants, “Your work and your support make it possible for athletes with an intellectual disability to have hope. Each of you is truly a difference maker in the world.”
 


The MDA Charity Classic encompassed two events: a gala dinner and auction, held at the Marriott River Cree Resort on Aug. 17 and a golf tournament at the Glendale Golf and Country Club the following day.

“We’ve been blessed with success because of the dedication of our members and the generosity of our guests and sponsors,” says MDA president Denis Ducharme.