Community Involvement

CDCR staff volunteer to raise money for Special Olympics

From the northern state to the southern border with Mexico, correctional staff across California are volunteering to raise funds to help Special Olympics athletes.

Staff standing before a huge check for $508 for the special olynpics

California Correctional Center

On Oct. 7, California Correctional Center (CCC) Warden Suzanne Peery presented a $508 check to the Special Olympics of Northern California. CCC and High Desert State Prison (HDSP) Staff purchased 127 tickets for a Reno Aces Baseball Game. A portion of the money spent on tickets was donated to the Special Olympics.

Officers stand with Special Olympics athletes.
Special agents with OIA-Southern Region raised over $3,000 during a recent Tip-A-Cop event to benefit Special Olympics.

Office of Internal Affairs (OIA)

By Dawn Harvell

OIA Southern Region donned aprons, took meal orders and bused tables for a Special Olympics fundraiser. On Nov. 7, special agents hosted a Tip-A-Cop Fundraiser at Lazy Dog Restaurant in Rancho Cucamonga to benefit Special Olympics. The agents raised a total of $3,112.32. 

Two men hold a torch.
RJD Chief Deputy Warden (A) Stewart carries the Flame of Hope with a Special Olympics Athlete to open the Polar Plunge Chief’s Challenge. Overall, the event raised $21,779.

Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility (RJD)

By Lance Eshelman, Community Resources Manager

On another gorgeous day in San Diego, Special Olympic Athlete Charles and Acting Chief Deputy Warden (CDW) Stewart carry the Flame of Hope together to kick off the 2019 Polar Plunge at SeaWorld’s Aquatica Waterpark in Chula Vista.

Three people hold a trophy.
Team RJD holds the coveted Chief’s Challenge trophy. From left are Dr. Bahro, CDW Stewart and CC Esguerra.

The Plunge event gathers law enforcement agencies and San Diego County residents to raise money for Special Olympics.

The relay race consisted of a slide down the Taumata Racer, shot down by CDW Stewart; 50 jumping jacks to signify the 50th year anniversary of Special Olympics completed by Correctional Counselor Esguerra; and a brain teaser which did not stump Chief Psychologist Dr. Bahro.

Their victories qualified RJD for the finals.

In a one-on-one match against San Diego PD Assistant Chief Connelly, CDW Stewart shot head first down the Taumata Racer at a chance for victory.

Together the team pulled through, resulting in RJD winning the Chief’s Challenge.

All together, the Special Olympic Southern California organization raised $21,779.83 from this year’s Polar Plunge.

Learn more about the Special Olympics Polar Plunge.