Sedona-Oak Creek Schools Unite to Raise Coins for Special Olympics

In recognition of March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, the Sedona-Oak Creek School District, along with Sedona police officers Catherine Beers and Mike Lucas, is launching the “Minute That Matters” campaign. This initiative is set to run from Monday, March 10, through Friday, March 14, inviting students, staff, and the local community to participate.

The campaign seeks to gather donations of spare change to benefit the unified Special Olympics teams at both schools. Officer Beers emphasized that all funds raised during this week will directly support local Special Olympics activities. “Our goal is to ensure that students with disabilities have ongoing access to inclusive sports and meaningful athletic opportunities year-round,” she stated.

During the campaign, classrooms will participate by collecting coins at a designated minute each day. These donations will assist their school’s Unified Special Olympics team, which unites athletes with and without disabilities for year-round competitions. Beers noted that the average annual cost for participation in the program is roughly $500 per athlete.

West Sedona School Principal Alisa Stieg remarked that the student council is spearheading the initiative, providing daily updates on fundraising totals via morning announcements. “Teachers will collect loose change, and student council members will tally the amounts. The class that collects the most will earn a popsicle party,” she said.

At Sedona Red Rock High School, students will compete by grade level during lunch, while West Sedona School will facilitate collections during morning announcements. School staff members can also donate to a preferred class or grade level.

Community members interested in contributing can reach out to Officers Beers or Lucas for donation drop-off locations or may leave contributions at the Sedona Police Department front desk.

Beers expressed hope that students recognize the collective impact of their contributions, regardless of amount. “Every little bit counts,” she said, stressing the importance of participation in making a difference.

Additionally, the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics is scheduled to return to Sedona on Friday, April 11, providing another opportunity for community support.

For any inquiries regarding the campaign, community members can contact Lucas or Beers via email at MLucas@sedonaaz.gov or CBeers@sedonaaz.gov.