Columbia, Sc (WLTX) -- One Midlands businessman has made it his mission to help a very special organization, one thread at a time.
In 2009, when the founder of the special olympics Eunice Kennedy Shriver passed away, Midlands businessman and philanthropist Paul Prince got to work.
"I got the idea after hearing of that news of seeing how I could further her cause," said Prince.
His idea? Rugs for a reason. Where you can purchase a floor rug from a website and 80% of the profits will go directly to the South Carolina Special Olympics.
"I thought, nothing like that had been done for special olympics and I've been in the flooring business for 23 years and tried to figure out how I could do something like that for special olympics."
The charity has partnered with Shaw industries in Georgia to make the rugs, helping to offer them in Georgia and South Carolina.
"These are not your typical college/team logo, these are actually very elegant and stylish area rugs that have a very subtle introduction of the special olympic logo"
The rugs come in three designs and three different sizes with prices ranging from $200 to $600.
"It's my passion, from a volunteer standpoint and from a business standpoint I know floor covering so it was a way I could bring two things I know and love together."
An idea Prince hopes to sew nationally in the near future. So far rugs for a reason has sold almost fifty rugs. They say if they need to sell two hundred before they can justify a nation launch, a major goal they hope to accomplish.
If you would like to check out or even purchase a rug, just go to: www.rugsforareason.com