Heroes of all shapes and sizes dipped or dove into Folsom Lake on a rainy morning for the 2023 Polar Plunge, raising over $100,000 for Special Olympics of Northern California (SONC).
CDCR’s Polar Plunge teams joined other law enforcement agencies from the greater Sacramento area at Brown’s Ravine on March 11. Teams included Freezin’ for a Reason (Division of Adult Institutions), the Hot Tamales (California Health Care Facility), CSP-Sacramento, Peace Officer Selection and Employee Development (POSED), AIMS/AIU North, and Keeping it Real (SATS/OEHM). Collectively, CDCR teams raised over $18,000 for the cause.
This year’s event also included an optional 5K trail run. If they raised at least $125, participants could choose to either take the plunge, hit the trail, or both.
The Sacramento County Chargers, a sports training organization that provides opportunities to Special Olympics athletes, raised the most money. CDCR’s Freezin’ for a Reason took home the title for best team costume with their Ninja Turtle theme.
CDCR gives back to Special Olympics
The Polar Plunge is an annual tradition in which brave supporters take a chilly winter dip to show their dedication to Special Olympics athletes. All proceeds benefit SONC. The organization provides sports, education, leadership and health programs to children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
CDCR is a longtime supporter of Special Olympics, with fundraisers and awareness events held both inside and outside institutions.
Donations to CDCR’s Polar Plunge teams will be accepted through March 25, 2023.
By Tessa Outhyse, Public Information Officer I
Video by David Novick, TV Specialist
