Publix

 


“At Publix, our mission is to be involved as responsible citizens within our communities. We are committed to our partnership with Special Olympics and see the positive influence that our relationship has had on our business, our employees and our communities. We recognize the impact of Special Olympics and are proud to join our organizations in doing good together.”
— Sam Pero, Vice President, Lakeland Division, Publix and Special Olympics Florida Board Member

Publix has supported Special Olympics Florida from the very beginning. In 1972, just after Special Olympics Florida was created, Publix Founder George Jenkins helped finance one of our first trips to a major competition. The company has never deviated from that course. 

Since 1993, it has conducted the Publix Torch Icon Campaign to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics Florida and other Special Olympics organizations across the Southeast U.S. Since its inception, the campaign has raised more than $60 million to support Special Olympics organizations in states where Publix operates.  We are honored to be Publix’s charity partner and are grateful to the customers and associates for their amazing support. 

Publix is our most treasured and longest-standing partner for Special Olympics Florida, a true example of a fully-integrated partnership. In addition to the torch campaign each January, Publix hosts an annual golf tournament that raises more than $400,000 to support our mission. Publix associates serve as volunteers and executive leaders, and we are proud to have a number of our athletes across the state employed by Publix. 

These are just a few of the reasons why Publix Super Markets is a member of the Special Olympics Florida Hall of Fame.


Learn More About Publix



Featured Sponsor News

Publix Bowl-A-Thon Strikes it Big

From April through June, thousands of Publix associates take part in more than 50 bowling events to support our athletes.

Brothers Share Love for Sports and Customer Service

Luis and Diego Martinez-Brown have a lot in common. They’re brothers, they’re Special Olympics Florida athletes, and they’re Publix associates excited by the 2024 Torch Icon Campaign now through January 21. 

Athlete Marks 25 Years at Publix

Special Olympics Florida athlete Jonathan Doring began working at Publix when he was in high school. His current role as a cashier extends beyond work and into meaningful customer relationships.

Lighting the Torch for our Athletes

Our Torch Icon Campaign at Publix is happening from January 12-21, bringing together Publix associates, customers and local communities to support nearly 70,000 Special Olympics athletes in Florida and beyond.

Publix Bowling Strikes it Big for our athletes

This year’s Publix Bowl-A-Thon once again demonstrated the company’s unwavering support for our athletes.

21st annual Special Olympics Florida Golf Classic


We are incredibly grateful to the more than 300 golfers who took on the course at ChampionsGate Golf Club in Central Florida.

Lighting the Torch at Publix

The annual Torch Icon Campaign kicked off this week at Publix Super Markets all across Florida and runs through January 22.


A Great Day For Golf

It was the 20th year for our Special Olympics Florida Golf Classic presented by Publix, where supporters turned out for a day of fun, fellowship, and golf.


Additional news stories: