Not a Trivial Pursuit

Thanks to the efforts of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the Special Olympics was created for people with intellectual difficulties to “develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy.”

To raise needed dollars for their program, the Northwest Area Special Olympics recently sponsored their Trivia Night fundraiser. The El Dorado Casino donated the ballroom, food, wait staff. Mike Whitemain of the El Dorado presented a $5000 check.

When they created trivia games, they created my game. It’s become a family tradition in the evening following a holiday feast. Family and friends soon become enemies as teams are formed and nasty leers are plentiful for the unfortunate player that talks the rest of the team out of the right answer.

So I jumped at the invitation to attend the Special Olympics Trivia night fundraiser. Co directors Charlene Boles Renee Starret, and Mattie Wilson set up a great event. Najahe Hall was outstanding as a host, asking a wide variety of questions- some easy, some hard, and others tricky, a great recipe for fun.

Door prizes provided by local restaurants and businesses were handed out to lucky winners between rounds of questions. The highlight of the night was the silent auction. Items ranged from gift baskets (donated by Benton Middle School cheerleaders, pep squad and 5th graders), jewelry, craft items and LSU, Dallas Cowboy, and Mudbug hockey sports memorabilia, including tickets and several autographed items.

We are already working to improve our team for next year, but even if we don't win we still leave with a broad smile on our faces - as do the Special Olympic athletes.