The past several months have seen numerous articles in the pages of The Pilot pertaining to fundraisers for the Special Olympics of North Carolina.

In all there were five events: a Big Band concert featuring the music of Benny Goodman; a shag night with the Sand Band; a barbecue and blues event with The Cowboy Band; a Torch Run and a motorcycle ride beginning at the Fair Barn in Pinehurst, with several hundred bikers donating time and vehicles in a ride to Hooters Restaurant in Greensboro and on to a party at Cox Motorcycles in Asheboro, concluding back at the Fair Barn.

The Pinehurst Police Department sponsored these events and announces that $12,000 was raised locally for SONC. This amount was the sixth largest collection in the state.

SENC lists its mission on its Web site: "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 sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympic athletes and their community. The goal of SONC is for all persons to have the chance to become useful and productive citizens who are accepted and respected in their communities."

The schedule for 2010 events is listed below:

n Feb. 20, Sweetheart Dinner with Big Band at the Carolina Hotel.

n March 13, fashion show with Looking for Linda.

n June 11, Shag Party at the Fair Barn.

n Aug. 14, Blue Grass and Barbecue.

n Sept. 11, Annual Motorcycle ride.

"If you missed the high quality entertainment, low cost, outstanding benefit provided at the events held last year, mark your calendar and plan to be there," says a spokesman "It is great fun, and entertainment in support of a worthwhile cause. The Pinehurst Police Department extends heartfelt thanks to all who made the dream of this success a reality."