Community invited to support local athletes during 2023 Special Olympics Mat-Su Spaghetti Dinner Auction

WASILLA — The 2023 Special Olympics Mat-Su Spaghetti Dinner Auction is set for Saturday, Feb. 25.

Visitors will have the opportunity to meet local athletes and help raise money for their various programs.

Special Olympics Mat-Su Public Relations and Communications Chair Volunteer Danielle Sherrer said this longtime tradition is a lot of fun and a lot of people from across the community look forward to each year.

"It's been really great," Sherrer said. "The athletes are some of the best greeters in the world. They're never shy to give you a hug or a high five."

According to Sherrer, this annual event has been so successful that it outgrew its original location at American Legion Post 35. This year, it will be held at Mat-Su Career and Tech High School.

"Every year it gets bigger and better," Sherrer said.

Sherrer said that the Legion has hosted this event for over two decades and will continue to host it. She said they treasure having such a dedicated community partner.

"They are some of our biggest supporters. They are always there when we need them," Sherrer said. "They love seeing our athletes be successful."

Sherrer said the dinner auction is their second largest fundraiser of the year. Their largest fundraiser is the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run in May.

All the money raised from these events goes directly toward supporting Valley athletes.

Sherrer said the overall need to raise funds has grown with the total number of athletes. She noted that the pandemic has escalated the cost of equipment, further increasing the need.

"We have grown tremendously," Sherrer said. "In order to keep our programs going for our 200 plus athletes it's important to raise the funds to do so."

The dinner runs from 5 to 7 p.m. and the auctions will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door but dinner is not guaranteed for those who arrive after 7 p.m.

Visitors are encouraged to bring one dollar bills for Dollar Auction.

General admission is $10. To purchase tickets, visit myalaskatix.com.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com