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 hosted our annual Torch Icon Campaign at their
stores 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.
“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, Special Olympics Florida Board Member and Vice President – Lakeland Division, Publix
