The Bay College BPA/LSSU students are at it again with another Chain of Love fundraiser, raising money for the Local Area 1 Special Olympics. (Courtesy photo)

ESCANABA – The Bay College and Lake Superior State University Regional Center chapter of Business Professionals of America (BPA) announces its annual Chain of Love fundraiser which raises money for the Local Area 1 Special Olympics. This fundraiser will run for four days, March 2 through March 5. During these dates, Bay College student volunteers will be accepting donations in the main entrance of the HUB on the Escanaba campus from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

The concept behind the Chain of Love fundraiser is that every dollar donated creates a link on the chain. The students invite each donor to write the name of a loved one on their link and add it to the chain. As a result, they are making a long chain of love.

“As a club, BPA works hard to put ourselves into the community, and the Special Olympics is one of the events for which we love to volunteer. Knowing we have the opportunity to raise money for those participating, and seeing how excited everyone gets is worth more than words can describe,” says Haylee Gatien, Treasurer of BPA, Co-Champion of Chain of Love, and Bay College business administration student.

The proceeds from this event help fund the costs associated with the Local Area 1 Special Olympics program. This includes the purchase of uniforms, equipment, and travel for all athletes. No athletes are required to pay; the BPA wants them to be able to focus solely on having fun. The Local Area 1 Special Olympics is completely self-funded; no federal funding is received. Fundraisers such as the Chain of Love are critical to ensure significant programs like this continue and thrive.

“I want to thank all those that volunteered their time, talents, and treasures,” Gatien state. “I am excited to get this year’s Chain of Love growing.”

For questions or to donate, interested persons may contact gabe.viau@baycollege.edu, 906-280-8348, haylee.gatien@baycollege.edu or 906-295-1769.