HONOLULU (KHON2) — Dan Del Monte is a frequent donor to Special Olympics Hawaii.
Last year, he thought, instead of just donating money, why not make a bigger impact by raising money by going over the edge.
“It’s a real challenge for me, because I’m afraid of heights,” said Dan
He ended up raising $4,500.
When it came to getting up and over more than 400 feet above the ground, Dan dug deep.
“The Special Olympics folks do such a wonderful job with all their programs for their people, and I feel that they can do it. I can do it, and it’s just a wonderful program. And I was very happy once I got down to the bottom, but it was scary, but enjoyable,” said Dan.
He said he made it down in about five minutes, faster than most people.
He’s doing it again on Oct. 11, admitting it is a challenge for himself, but remembering there are daily challenges for folks with intellectual disabilities.
“I could help them in any way, I certainly will. They face their fears every day, and they conquer them. If you ever seen them, I’m sure you have seen the different programs they have,” Dan added. “They’re running or jumping or swimming or bowling, whatever they’re doing, like anybody. But you know, when you win and when you come to the end, you’re so happy, you’re smiling, it just almost puts a tear, put your tears to your face just to see how happy they are.”
Special Olympics Hawaii delivers 10 Olympic-type sports and over 50 competitions, hundreds of health screenings, and inclusive programming in more than 70 schools annually.
So far, Dan has raised $4,900 this year and is looking to get to $5,000. He hopes others will do the same.
“If you could do something good for someone, save a life, make someone happy. Get out and do something, and like I say, the programs they have, so many programs, Special Olympics, for people in need, that it just makes your heart just jump with joy. And you should get out and volunteer and help people,” said Dan.