The fourth annual Special Olympics fundraiser at Badeaux’s Cajun Kitchen is set for June 24 and business leaders and members of the community are being encouraged to make contributions.

A solicitation letter recently sent out to business owners highlights a need for monetary contributions or supply items including soccer cleats, soccer balls, basketballs, stop watches, sturdy tape measures and bocce sets.

“Special Olympics allows our athletes to compete at their own level, but it also provides an opportunity for them to meet and socialize with peers all across the state,” said Area 15 Coordinator Joanne Catron.

Catron said this year, athletes have been given the opportunity to travel to Virginia Beach, Fredericksburg, Danville, Greensboro, Richmond and the Virginia Military Institute.

The upcoming fundraiser will help the athletes throughout the year. The event, held at Badeaux’s, will include a car and bike show, door prizes and a 50/50 raffle.

There is a $10 entry fee per vehicle to participate in the show. Reserved parking will be available for clubs.

“We are grateful for the people in Southside Virginia who love these children and support them as Special Olympic athletes,” said Jason Badeaux, who owns Badeaux’s.

Catron said Charlotte County Special Olympics provides training in a variety of sports activities, including swimming, soccer skills, bocce, basketball and track and field.

“We host an annual soccer skills and bocce competition in September and basketball skills and team competition in January,” she said. “We travel to various other sites for regional and state competition.”

According to the letter, there are approximately 40 athletes who participate in the organization.

“The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and community,” officials said in the letter.

Donations may be dropped off or mailed to Badeaux’s with a note regarding Special Olympics.

The event will begin at 2 p.m. For more information, contact Catron at (434) 391-4895. Badeaux’s is located at 150 Kings Hwy. in Keysville.