Thank you to the more than 350 people who attended the A World of Difference Dinner and Auction at the Hyatt Regency Long Beach on March 2. Because of your support, the event raised more than $100,000.

At the event, we honored the Long Beach Education Partnership, "Seamless Education at Its Best," including Long Beach Unified School District, Long Beach City College, and California State University Long Beach.

This eloquent fundraiser was one of the largest dinner and auctions in Southern California. The event featured more than 300 fabulous items, including unique experience items, travel packages, culinary and wine, sporting event tickets, signed memorabilia, theater tickets, and much more.

Along with the auction, attendees enjoyed a formal dinner, live entertainment, and inspiring stories about Special Olympics athletes.

Benefiting Special Olympics Southern California Athletes

All proceeds from A World of Difference will provide sports training and competition for the more than 13,000 Special Olympics Southern California athletes.

Special Olympics is more than a sports program for individuals with intellectual disabilities. It is training for life. It helps build the self-confidence of a person with intellectual disabilities so they can work and give back to their community. It drives the athletes' determination so they can overcome hurdles. It gives families hope that their children, siblings, and relatives will achieve their potential. It provides individuals with intellectual disabilities an opportunity to shine and live happier, healthier, and longer lives.

If you would like to support Special Olympics athletes, please make a tax-deductible donation.