“We believe in teamwork and in the importance of community. Our Danforth team members from across New York really pulled together to support Special Olympics New York and help athletes from all of the communities where we work and live,” said Danforth CEO Robert Beck. “The athletes from Special Olympics New York are inspirational. We’re happy to play a part in helping them pursue their dreams and to watch them succeed.”

Throughout 2025, Danforth team members participated in several events to support Special Olympics New York, including Polar Plunge events in Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Albany. Team Danforth, with Deanna Gokey, a senior procurement specialist at Danforth, earned the distinction of the Top Individual Fundraiser for the Western New York event, and the entire Danforth team taking top honors in New York State for cross-regional fundraising while placing second in overall Corporate fundraising.

“John W. Danforth Company has shown what’s possible when a company fully embraces inclusion, teamwork and community impact,” said Special Olympics New York President & CEO Stacey Hengsterman. “We are incredibly grateful for Danforth’s continued partnership and for the passion their team brings to supporting our athletes.”

Danforth’s support for Special Olympics New York will continue in 2026, with plans already underway for participation in the Polar Plunge events, as well as recently completed team truck pull event in Eastern New York. In addition, Krystal Yernye, marketing specialist at the company’s Western New York headquarters, will be running in this year’s New York City Marathon in November in support of Special Olympics New York.