CDCR and CCHCS employees joined 300 others to brave the chilly temperatures in the 2024 Greater Sacramento Area Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Northern California.
The CDCR and CCHCS employees joined forces Saturday, Feb. 10, at Brown’s Ravine in Folsom to represent the department’s Sacramento area offices.
The CDCR Headquarters Freezin’ for a Reason polar plunge team raised $15,519 for Special Olympics Northern California athletes. The team ranked first as the 2024 Top Law Enforcement Torch Run Fundraising Team for the Sacramento Region.
(Editor’s note: See the video and photos at the bottom of this story.)
Freezin’ for a Reason members also won, for the third year in a row, the top prize for Best Costume.
CDCR employees from Division of Adult Institutions, CDCR Human Resources, Office of Employee Health Management, California Health Care Facility (CHCF), and others enjoyed the pre- and post- event festivities. These activities included a 5K Trail Run, fun contests, silent auction, corn hole, sponsor information tables, and games with Special Olympics athletes and their families for attendees of all ages to enjoy while waiting for the main event.
The CHCF Hot Tamales Team also joined the fun to raise an additional $2,801. Team members included multiple classifications from the institution, including Warden Gena Jones.
“Even though it was cold, it was all worth it. It’s a great team bonding experience, but most of all it was for a great cause,” said CHCF Lt. Michelle Orozco, the institution’s public information officer.
Overall, 65 CDCR registered participants and their friends and family spectators collectively raised $18,320 for this worthy cause.
Story by Tessa Outhyse, Information Officer
and David Maldonado, acting Chief of Strategic Communications and External Affairs
Office of Public and Employee Communications
Missed it? You can still get involved
Donations are still being accepted through Feb. 24 to support the athletes and work toward reaching the department’s annual goal.
If you are in the Greater Sacramento Area and would like to participate in upcoming Law Enforcement Torch Run events, contact Martina Virrey (email address can be found in Global).
Visit Polar Plunge – Special Olympics Northern California to join a plunge event in your area.
For those in the southern part of the state, visit Special Olympics Southern California. The Big Bear Lake Polar Plunge is March 16. Visit their event site for details.
Sacramento Polar Plunge in photos
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