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From left to right: Cynthia Paradis; Richard Paradis; Trent Paradis; Gary Desjardins, Franklin County Special Olympics Area Manager and Vice Chair of the OTIS FCU Board of Directors; Ryan Souther, Franklin County Special Olympics Treasurer and Digital Branch/Facilities Manager at OTIS FCU; Darice Roy, Vice President, OTIS FCU; and Wayne Buckingham, Commander of AMVETS Post #33.
On April 29, the Jay AMVETS Auxiliary and Franklin County Special Olympics Committee held a supper to benefit Jay High School alumnus Trent Paradis. He is the only athlete from Maine who is attending the 2023 Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, Germany.
From advertising to attendance, the supper received an overwhelming amount of community support. Individuals, local businesses, and community organizations alike came together and donated their time and resources. Over $10,000 was raised to support Trent’s trip (with additional donations still coming in)!
Regarding the event, Franklin County Special Olympics Area Manager and OTIS FCU Board Member Gary Desjardins commented, “The success was due to the generous donations of items for the raffle and auctions, as well as monetary donations.”
The main partners of the event included the Franklin County Special Olympics Committee, Jay AMVETS Auxiliary, Jay VFW and Auxiliary, Daughters of Isabella, and OTIS FCU.
Ryan Souther, who is the Franklin County Special Olympics Treasurer and the Digital Branch/Facilities Manager at OTIS FCU, coordinated much of the benefit, gathering and organizing the auction items and making sure that everything ran smoothly. The idea for the event, however, is credited to OTIS FCU employee Morgan Pooler, a Jay High classmate and friend of Trent’s.
When asked what made her think of doing this benefit, she said, “I think that the athletes themselves are an inspiration. When I saw someone from my high school class, in this small community, earn this opportunity, it made me want to help however I could. Seeing how many people came out on Saturday to show their support and excitement for Trent was wonderful.”
OTIS FCU’s President/CEO Chris Bouchard volunteered at the supper, along with his oldest son and other credit union employees.
“We are beyond thankful to have taken part in the kickoff supper for Trent Paradis and Franklin County Special Olympics,” shared Bouchard. “Special Olympics is near and dear to so many, especially the team here at OTIS, led by Ryan Souther and Gary Desjardins. To see the community come out in full support of Trent and Special Olympics was simply amazing. Wishing all our Olympians success this year, both on and off the field.”