Our Story

In the United States, approximately 7.5 million people are affected by intellectual disabilities. This accounts for roughly 3 percent of the US population. For people with such disabilities, the Special Olympics are often the only place where they can participate in their communities and develop a belief in themselves. Since 1968 the Special Olympics have provided sports training, competitions, and programs that benefit athletes, their families and their communities.

Each year, a consortium of top-notch business schools raises funds and contributes volunteer hours to benefit the Special Olympics through a friendly competition. The MBA Challenge for Charity (C4C) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that draws on the talents, energy, and resources of MBAs from nine West Coast business schools to support Special Olympics and family-related local charities, to develop business leaders with a lifelong commitment to community involvement and social responsibility. Since 1996, C4C has contributed over $5.8 million to the Special Olympics and other local charities, as well as donated tens of thousands of hours of community service. C4C today remains the World’s Largest MBA Non-Profit Organization.

The UC Berkeley, Haas Running Group and Haas C4C Chapter have partnered to raise money for this great cause. 20 runners are training for the US Half Marathon 2, held in San Francisco on April 8, 2012, in an effort to raise funds and awareness for C4C. Proceeds will benefit the Special Olympics and Alameda Point Collaborative of Oakland, California.

The Impact

Your donations support the efforts of the Special Olympics and family-oriented nonprofit organizations throughout California. The funds we'll raise as we train for the US Half Marathon 2 will facilitate free sports training and competitive events for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Because of our collective efforts, special needs athletes across the state will participate in aquatics, basketball, bocce, bowling, floor hockey, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, track and field and volleyball free of charge. Through sports, Special Olympic athletes will develop physical skills as well as a powerful and resounding belief in themselves. This is, undoubtedly, the reason why we're all training and raising money for C4C.

What We Need & What You Get

The US Half Marathon Team needs $2,500. This goal is part of a greater Haas C4C chapter initiative to raise $50,000 by April 14, 2012.