Family-Owned Fedor Wall Systems and Pyramid Painting Support Special Olympics
It all started with a dinner at Chili’s.
Kelly and Craig Ruybalid were out to eat one evening in 2015 and happened to be at the Morgan Hill restaurant during a Special Olympics Tip-A-Cop event, where local law enforcement officers trade their badges for aprons and collect “tips” as donations for Special Olympics Northern California (SONC). Special Olympics athletes usually accompany the officers as they “wait tables” to chat with guests about the programs and offer firsthand testimonials of how the organization impacts their lives.
The interaction hit a personal note for Kelly and Craig, who have a 4-year-old grandson with autism, and they left a generous $100 tip (donation) with a note to have someone from the office follow-up with them. That subsequent meeting ended with a $20,000 check.
“We’re very particular about who and what gets our money,” said Kelly. “We like to see where our money goes. We get to see the joy that Special Olympics brings to these athletes at events. They’re in their element and they know it.”
Kelly and Craig own Fedor Wall Systems and Pyramid Painting, locally-based companies specializing in personalized painting and wallpaper services. Since 2015 they have donated more than $70,000 to SONC through a number of events, including a floor hockey competition and the SONC 20th Anniversary Gala in 2015; Silicon Valley Bocce Bash and High Tech Challenge in 2016; and as the title sponsor for the 2017 Silicon Valley Bocce Bash.
The most recent event, March’s Silicon Valley Bocce Bash, featured a tournament-style bocce competition, a silent auction and fine food and drinks at Campo di Bocce in Los Gatos, Calif. The evening included opening remarks by Los Gatos Mayor Marico Sayoc, San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo, SONC President and CEO David Solo, Honorary Chair Steve Wymer and others. Special Olympics athletes Ryan and Lindsay also led the crowd in the Athlete Oath and were advocating throughout the night for the program.
Prior to the final round of bocce play, Wymer gathered the crowd to introduce a special live auction item: a signed and framed Kevin Durant Golden State Warriors jersey. The bids quickly took off, as many in the crowd were willing to donate top-dollar for the item. As athlete Ryan (self-proclaimed No.1 Warriors fan) was showing off the item to the crowd, Kelly and Craig got in on the bidding – but not for themselves.
“I was trying to win the jersey for my 13-year-old grandson,” said Kelly. “But we were watching Ryan’s face and how excited he was about that jersey. We decided while bidding that we would win it for him.”
After the auction, Wymer surprised the crowd – and Ryan – by announcing Kelly and Craig’s gift. Ryan was nearly speechless as he held tightly to the frame, thanking the Ruybalids over and over for their generosity. Emotion, goosebumps and tears spread throughout the room in reaction to the heartfelt moment. One auction winner even anonymously gifted his winning San Francisco Giants tickets to another Special Olympics athlete, inspired by the Ruybalid’s selfless act.
Kelly and Craig plan to continue their relationship with SONC through Fedor Wall Systems and Pyramid Painting. They offer a prime example of the impact that corporate partners can have on the lives of SONC athletes and the personal connections that are made along the way.
“The people that we have met with SONC really care about the organization and the athletes,” said Kelly. “We’re proud and happy to be involved in this organization.”
More information about Fedor Wall Systems is available by calling 650-450-0298; Pyramid Painting may be reached at 650-903-9791.
Are you interested in your company supporting Special Olympics? Contact Emily Allen at emilya@sonc.org.