Agropur Gives Back: Polar Plunge

What’s the cause? The Polar Plunge

Agropur Ingredient’s is excited to sponsor employees partaking in 2017’s Polar Plunge.  This annual fund raiser donates all proceeds to the Wisconsin Special Olympics and brings awareness to the cause. Plunges take place all over Wisconsin and involve registering, raising support and jumping into local bodies of water during the winter months.  In 2016, the La Crosse, WI plunge alone raised $132,500! The Special Olympics of Wisconsin “provides year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy while participating in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, Special Olympics athletes and the community.” This organization has a rich history; the first Special Olympics Wisconsin event was a track meet held in 1969. It has since expanded to a variety of events, walk/runs & banquets that celebrate the athlete and volunteers that take part.

How does it help?

The Polar Plunge is the largest annual fundraiser, raising an overwhelming amount of financial support and public awareness for the organization.  This event funnels countless volunteers into the primary program and works to unite communities to celebrate a positive, uplifting cause.  Since 1999, this event has raised nearly $19 million dollars for Special Olympic athletes! This support goes to 18 olympic type events, including the national and world level.  This support also funds free health care screenings that ensure the well-being and health of athletes.

How can you join?

As the event’s web page eloquently says, “The Polar Plunge is for everyone. It really is. From young to not so young, solos to teams, principals to employees, and plungers to non-plungers.”  You can plunge, donate, volunteer and/or sponsor to get involved. Not interested in diving into near freezing weather? Register as a “Chicken!” Those who register in the “Too chicken to plunge!” category can still raise support and awareness, without the freezin’ for a reason part.