Former UK Athletics marketing director raises money for Special Olympics
Debbie Antonelli is sending over a million dollars to the organization
MT. PLEASANT, SC. (ABC36 NEWS NOW)- Debbie Antonelli, a former Director of Marketing at the University of Kentucky and veteran basketball television analyst, is sending over a million dollars to the Special Olympics after a 24-hour fundraiser.
Antonelli’s 24 Hours Nothing But Net fundraiser is held once a year in her driveway. The women’s basketball Hall of Famer shoots 100 free throws every hour from noon on Saturday to the same time on Sunday.
“I’m trying to get it together to know what it would actually mean, but I know fundamentally what it means,” said Antonelli. “Special Olympics has helped our family so much. We just wanted to help some other families. It’s a crazy idea that worked.”
The fundraiser is inspired by her son, Frankie, who has Down Syndrome and used Special Olympics to play team sports when he was younger.
Frankie now has his own day in the town of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, where the Antonellis live.
“I get my own day as Frankie Antonelli. It’s a good name,” said Frankie.
