16 Dec 2011 No Comments
Nonprofit Spotlight: Special Olympics Virginia
Picture the sandy shores of Virginia Beach in February. Imagine the smell of the salty ocean air, and find yourself lulled into a peaceful meditation by the cadence of the ocean waves and the occasional squawk of the majestic seagull (okay, maybe seagulls aren’t that majestic, but go with me here)….Now imagine running full tilt towards the cold, wintry, Atlantic waters, and PLUNGING fearlessly into the ocean! What you have just imagined will be a reality for over 10,000 individuals, including athletes and community members, during Special Olympics of Virginia’s Polar Plunge Winter Festival.
The Polar Plunge Winter Festival takes place on February 3-4, 2012, and will fundraise money to support the Virginia chapter of the Special Olympics. Since joining the FirstGiving in 2005, Special Olympics Virginia has raised an astounding $1.68 million online to support its athletes. According to their mission, the chapter uses sports as a “vehicle for social change,” working to “open the heart and mind of every Virginian to the value and ability of the intellectually disabled.” With the help of over 500 fundraisers, Special Olympics Virginia has been able to fundraise over $26,000 online for the Polar Plunge so far. With two full months to continue fundraising, the Polar Plunge Winter Festival looks to be a thrilling (and chilling) success!
Want to Get Involved?
The Polar Plunge helps to support thousands of intellectually disabled athletes. It is one of Special Olympics Virginia’s largest fundraisers of the year! Supporting this incredible organization is as easy as jumping into the Atlantic Ocean in February. (Well, maybe it’s a bit easier than that…) Simply start fundraising for Special Olympics Virginia with a free FirstGiving fundraising account, and invite friends and family members to donate to the cause this holiday season.
If you live in Virginia and would like to participate in the Polar Plunge, the minimum amount you must raise is $100. However, the more money you raise, the more you are able to support the athletes of the Special Olympics and this wonderful organization. In addition to the main event, the Polar Plunge Winter Festival will include family activities such as “the Boogie Down the Boardwalk Costume Parade and contest,” sand sculptures, and a “Pee-Wee Plunge (for kids 10 and under).” For the athletically inclined, there is a Saturday morning 5K. For those less athletically inclined but nevertheless enthusiastic, there is a 20th Anniversary Saturday Night Beach Bash!
A Little More About Special Olympics Virginia
The Special Olympics is a familiar organization to those both in and outside of the sports community. But did you know that Special Olympics is actually a year-round international program “of sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities?” The Virginia chapter of the Special Olympics organization specifically provides their members with opportunities to foster friendships within their communities and with other Special Olympics athletes. The work that this organization does is extremely important in fostering a community where the intellectually disabled can feel confident and valued. Their successful fundraising efforts are proof of the passion for and dedication to the Special Olympics mission.
