Special Friends Charities began with a group of friends, and acquaintances  from the financial services industry.  Initially, we worked almost exclusively with athletes from the inner city of Hartford.  We expanded to provide assistance to programs from Norwich, Griswold, and Hebron.  We learned that we could help many of the athletes achieve independence by providing mobility devices, printer/fax (since out dated), air quality improvement systems, etc.  Things we had never considered that can improve the quality of life.

We thought of various fundraising ideas, and settled on a golf tournament as our favorite venue.  Starting at Manchester Country Club, we moved to Wethersfield Country Cub, and more recently to Ellington Ridge Country Club.  We integrated some athletes that we support into our tournament. Billy and Stanley have shown improvement of their skills, and have always been an inspiration to all of us who participate.  Our board members, past and present, continue to make this event a success.  Without the financial support from our friends, we could not continue to do what we do.

Board member Ken Bragg, has been the key link between our involvement with the Hartford area Special Olympics, and how it has expanded throughout the State of Connecticut and to a lesser extent to Massachusetts.  Ken is involved with Special Olympics in all seasons.  In the winter, he provides transportation (a major focus of SFC) for the Speed Skating team, as well as the Snow Shoe, and Cross Country teams.  He is also involved with the summer games, and the lives of the athletes he assists.

Board member Karen DiCrosta, a special education teacher at Norwich Free Academy, became involved with Special Olympics through one of her students.  Billy Hemenway became an athlete in the RHAM speed skating program and moved to Norwich.  She permitted him to participate with the fledgling Griswold Speed Skating team, and realized that his participation was not just about speed skating, though he is very fast.  The program focused on building self-esteem, teamwork, friendship, and inclusiveness with individuals of all abilities.  Soon she entered her own NFA team, and has since expanded her role to be the local coordinator for all of the events the school is involved with.

Vice president Susan Brereton has been involved with Special Olympics as a volunteer, graphic designer, and shares her enthusiasm in including the athletes in our lives.

Treasurer/Secretary David Rybacki and Dennis York (an original board member), have shared their time volunteering, and providing financial support through our fund raising events, and are  important members of the Board as we move forward.  They have creative ideas to continue promoting our mission.

Alan became involved with Special Olympics in 1982 when the hockey team he still plays for, TEAM BUZZARD, was asked to take over management of the Speed Skating Event for the State of Connecticut Special Olympics.  At the time there were 14 athletes competing in the event, and 28 Buzzards helping out.  Alan asked to be introduced to Ken Bragg to see if he had any athletes in Hartford that could skate.  No such luck, but he did have athletes in track and field, and soon they were skating in circles, and a great friendship was made.  In 1984 Bill Iovene (Director Emeritus) moved back to Connecticut, with his lovely wife Mary Lou, from Washington State, where they were very involved with Special Olympics.  Another great friendship developed, and the seeds for Special Friends Charities were planted.  The Speed Skating programs have expanded from Hartford, to include a team from RHAM district, Norwich Free Academy, and Griswold, all of which Alan either started, or is still coaching.  There are now between 125 and 150 athletes competing in the Speed Skating Event at the Winter Games, and TEAM Buzzard is still in charge.