St. Clair College students and staff welcomed over 500 people at the first Special Olympics pasta night held at the college's Hangar on Thursday, March 12. This event raised $ 4,500 for the Windsor Games.

The 2009 Special Olympics Provincial Summer Games are coming to Windsor July 23-25. More than 1000 volunteers are needed for these games and this event was organized as a recruitment drive and to raise awareness and funds for these Summer Games.  More than 200 people signed up at this event to be one of the much needed volunteers.

It was truly a student effort for this special night.  Our Culinary Arts Team, volunteered their time and set up pasta stations throughout the hangar offering pasta flavours from around the world.  The Marketing (MRK202) students gathered and organized prizes for a “Pick the Prize” auction for which raffle tickets were sold.  Law & Security program day students sold advance tickets for the event. Andrea McNeil, President of the SRC presented a cheque of $ 500 to Inspector Gerry Pocock and Inspector John McQuire of the organizing committee to sponsor a local athlete.  Derek Renaud, board member of the Alumni Association, presented a cheque for $ 1000 as the alumni boards participation to sponsor two athletes at the summer games.

Dr. John Strasser was presented a Special Olympics sponsor appreciation plaque by the Windsor Police Services for hosting the event at the college.  Dr. Strasser took this opportunity to announce that the proceeds from the 2009 College Foundation Golf Tournament will be divided between  with the Windsor Special  Olympics Summer Games and the St. Clair College Foundation.  The college foundation golf tournament will be held Monday, June 1 at Pointe West Golf Club.

For more information about volunteering or attending the Windsor Special Olympics Summer Games  visit their website www.specialolympicswindsor2009.com.