Bowling Green Special Olympics will be teaming up with the Bowling Green Parks and Recreation Special Populations division this October for their first annual trunk or treat fundraiser to raise money for the Special Olympics team.

Both organizations will host the trunk or treat at the Kummer Little Center Saturday, Oct. 8 between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Proceeds will go toward the team’s travel costs, uniforms and other fees. The event will include a trunk or treat, an event where trick-or-treating is done from parked cars, and a Halloween-themed dance with refreshments.

The Bowling Green Special Olympics offers various sports throughout the year including bowling, flag football, softball and many others. Around 70 athletes currently participate in one or more of these sports on Bowling Green’s team. Athletes also have the chance to participate annually in the Area 5 Special Olympics, a competition allowing participants to play against other Special Olympic teams in the region.

Special Olympics Kentucky works on a mission to give children and adults with intellectual disabilities “continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship,” according to its website.

“This event will allow the Bowling Green community to enjoy a family fun night celebrating the Halloween season, while also supporting a local program that has a longstanding tradition of helping our city see the abilities in all individuals,” Holly Vincent, special populations program coordinator, said.

Organizations or businesses who have reserved a parking spot will be at the trunk or treat passing out candy to the children and families when they arrive. Attending the event is free. Reserving a spot costs $15, which goes toward the Special Olympics team. Attendees are also welcome to dress up in family-friendly costumes.

Cameron Levis, special populations instructor, said he encourages WKU students from any organization to come get a spot at the trunk or treat. Volunteers are also needed to help with refreshments; all are welcome to come participate in the dance as well.

Admission for the dance will be $3. WUHU 107.1, a local radio station, will DJ at the event. Participants will also have the opportunity to meet Brooke Summers and Andy Morgan, talk show hosts for WUHU.

To volunteer or reserve a trunk or treat spot, contact Holly Vincent or Cameron Levis through the Bowling Green Parks and Recreation Special Populations program.

Reporter Elisabeth Moore can be reached at 270-745-6288 and [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter at @emoore938.