FORT VALLEY, Ga. — Blue Bird recently presented the Kay Center, a vocational education center, with a $7,396 check to be used for Kay Center athletes’ travel expenses as they compete in the Special Olympics.

Funds for the check were provided by Blue Bird suppliers and employees who participated in Blue Bird’s recent Annual Supplier Meeting and Charity Golf Tournament.

Located in Fort Valley, the Kay Center provides work programs for local adults with developmental disabilities. Employing more than 70 adults, approximately 60 percent of the Kay Center’s work-based programs revolve around Blue Bird outsourced job functions, including bulk mailing, sorting materials, kitting of small parts and maintenance assistance.

“The Kay Center is very important to Blue Bird," said Phil Horlock, president and CEO of Blue Bird Corp. "Its dedicated employees have continually provided Blue Bird with quality, honest work. We wish the Kay Center athletes good luck as they compete in the upcoming Special Olympics. I also want to recognize our supplier partners and employees for their great support in this.”

Todd Youngblood, executive director of the Kay Center, added that Blue Bird’s donation will enable the center’s athletes to “travel, meet new people and see places that they otherwise would not have the opportunity to do.”