Dan Jansen Olympic Gold Turns 25

MILWAUKEE, Feb. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Many of us remember that momentous day, 25 years ago (Friday, Feb. 18, 1994), when Dan Jansen finally achieved his dream and won an Olympic Gold Medal in the 1000 meters in world record fashion at the 1994 Winter Olympic Games in Lillehammer, Norway.

It was a moment of triumph and exhilaration for Dan. It was also a time of celebration for many Americans, the whole world for that matter, to see the down-to-earth, all-American good guy finally snap the Olympic medal jinx in such dramatic fashion. The world was a nicer place when Dan struck Olympic Gold.

Dan turned his Olympic glory into another form of gold when he started the Dan Jansen Foundation. Thanks to the generosity of individual donors, corporate contributions and his own charity golf outing, his foundation is helping in the fight against leukemia, assisting high school seniors in the pursuit of higher education, and supporting a variety of youth sports programs.

Since 1995, the DJ Foundation has contributed more than $800,000 to needy families and causes.
The DJ/Jane Jansen Beres Family Aid Fund has benefited over 700 families affected by leukemia and related cancers. The DJ Scholarship Fund has helped more than 100 high school seniors who need financial aid and have demonstrated the Dan Jansen spirit toward life, education and overcoming adversity. Olympic speedskaters striving to realize their Olympic dream have been among those who also have benefited.

The goal this year for Dan and the Dan Jansen Foundation is to surpass the $1 Million mark in total funds donated to worthy causes and those in need.

In honor of Dan's epic Olympic Gold Medal performance, a special Dan Jansen 25th (Gold Turns Silver) Anniversary Tribute is planned for Saturday, October 12, at the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee (he grew up in West Allis).
Donors and participants are invited to take a trip back down memory lane with Dan; catch up with an Olympic icon and one of Wisconsin's favorite sons; and honor his achievements with special tributes from the likes of Olympic Gold medalists Mike Eruzione (hockey), Kristi Yamaguchi (figure skating), Bonnie Blair (speedskating) and other luminaries. They'll also be showing their support for the Dan Jansen Foundation.

In addition, Dan serves on the Board of Directors for Cool Kids Campaign Foundation. This foundation provides services and resources to children with cancer and their families in Baltimore, MD, and soon in Charlotte, NC. To learn more about Cool Kids Campaign Foundation go to coolkidscampaign.org.

For information on attending this charity fundraising event or to make a donation to this truly worthy cause, visit djfoundation.org. or call 414-687-7781.

Information: Sean Callahan, Executive Director, Dan Jansen Foundation, 414-687-7781

SOURCE Dan Jansen Foundation