Mauldin Police and Special Olympics SC Tour Duke’s Mayonnaise Plant Following $20,000 Donation
April 20, 2026
Representatives from the Mauldin Police Department and Special Olympics South Carolina recently went behind the scenes at one of the South’s most iconic facilities. Following a generous $20,000 donation from Sauer Brands—the makers of Duke’s Mayonnaise—officials were treated to an exclusive tour of the manufacturing plant to see how the famous spread is produced.
The donation is earmarked for the upcoming Gold Medal Gala, a high-profile event supporting Special Olympics athletes, which is scheduled to take place on Thursday, May 14, in Simpsonville.
A “Spread” of Support
The check presentation and subsequent tour brought together key figures from the community and the organization. Attendees included Special Olympics South Carolina CEO Barry Coats and his daughter Erin, a decorated SO-SC athlete. Representing the Mauldin Police Department were Vice President Mike Still and Sergeant Harley Sefcik, who joined the tour to celebrate the corporate partnership.
“Thank you, Sauer Brands!” the South Carolina Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) shared in an announcement, highlighting the importance of corporate sponsors in fueling the “Flame of Hope” for local athletes.
Looking Ahead to the Gold Medal Gala
The $20,000 contribution from Sauer Brands provides a significant boost to the Gold Medal Gala’s fundraising goals. The gala serves as a premier event for the Simpsonville and Mauldin areas, bringing together law enforcement, local businesses, and athletes to ensure that sports training and competitions remain accessible to individuals with intellectual disabilities across the state.
Community Connection
The partnership between the Mauldin Police Department and the Special Olympics is part of a long-standing tradition of law enforcement support through the Torch Run. Events like the plant tour underscore the deep roots local businesses have within the Golden Strip community.
For those interested in supporting the cause or attending the gala next month, more information and tickets can be found at the official Special Olympics South Carolina website at so-sc.org/event/2026-gold-medal-gala.
