Dine for a Cause: El Rancho Del Burrito in Bedford serves up support for local Special Olympics athletes today

BEDFORD — A local restaurant is partnering with a community organization to serve up more than just food this week.

El Rancho Del Burrito will host a “Dine and Donate” fundraiser today, April 29, with proceeds benefiting athletes involved with Special Olympics Indiana in Lawrence County.

The event, scheduled at the restaurant’s location at 1529 L Street in Bedford, invites the public to dine in or carry out meals throughout the day. Ten percent of all proceeds will be donated to support local Special Olympics athletes, according to event organizers.

The fundraiser aims to assist more than 60 athletes in Lawrence County who participate in year-round training and competition through the local Special Olympics program. County programs, operated largely by volunteers, provide opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities to compete in a variety of sports, including basketball, track and field, softball, and volleyball.

Special Olympics, founded in 1968, is a global movement that offers sports training and athletic competition to children and adults with intellectual disabilities. The organization emphasizes physical fitness, confidence-building, and social inclusion through shared experiences in sport.

Locally, community partnerships and fundraisers like this one play a critical role in sustaining programming. The Lawrence County program relies heavily on volunteers, donations, and support from area businesses to provide equipment, training opportunities, and competition access for athletes.

In addition to supporting a local cause, Wednesday’s event will feature a special menu item — street corn — offered at a promotional price for the day.

Residents are encouraged to stop by, enjoy a meal, and contribute to a program that continues to make an impact across Lawrence County.