FREEZIN FOR A REASON JUST 10 DAYS AWAY

Rochester, N.Y.-- Attention to all Western New York Region 6 members: It's still not too late to join Team CSEA Region 6 and Monroe County Local 828 as we plunge into a chilly Lake Ontario in support of Special Olympics New York. The 11th annual POLAR PLUNGE will be held at noon on Sunday, Feb. 13, at Charlotte Beach in Rochester. Join our team by registering here. You can also donate here for the team or individual participants.

CSEA Western Region President Flo Tripi and Local 828 President Bess Watts will lead our effort. Anyone may take the plunge with us, and President Tripi asks that donations be made to the team. Join in the fun as we support this very important organization.

President Watts says, "Volunteering is at the heart of who we are as an organization. It's in our DNA. The New York Special Olympics is a great organization to be associated with and does valuable work for our families. I encourage everyone to pledge or participate this year, and I will be reaching out to all the Unit Presidents very soon to monitor their progress."

photo:  2010 Lake Ontario Polar Plunge by Ove Overmyer

CSEA Region 6 Team raised over $6,000.00 last year at the 2010 Rochester Polar Plunge at Lake Ontario and our goal this year is $7,000.00.  See how we are doing!



2010 Region 6 Polar Plunge Team post dip.
photo:  Ove Overmyer

















Here are some tips for the rookie plungers:

*To register with the Region 6 Polar Plunge Team, click on the above links. Will we have the biggest team? With your help, we will!

*Be unique and WEAR A COSTUME! Encourage your teammates to do the same!

*Remember to pack a towel and water shoes. Everyone must wear shoes, sneakers, crocs, sandals or some kind of protective footwear.

*Wear your swimsuit under your clothes so you'll be ready for the Plunge fun.

*Bring along easy to slip-into warm clothes and shoes for after the Plunge.

*For your safety, never dive into the water.

*Bring a plastic bag for wet clothes, and a waterproof backpack or bag to store your dry clothes.

*A disposable, waterproof camera is a great way to capture a Plunger's view of the excitement.

*Invite a pal to witness, photograph and have a towel at the end ready for when you leave the water.

*Don't forget to thank your donors and send them photos after the event!

Look at what consumers and employees are saying about Special Olympics New York and their partners:

73% of Americans rated Special Olympics as the most honest charity in the United States.**

Special Olympics was rated by the public as the most credible Charity in America.**

**Source: The Chronicle of Philanthropy 12/13/94.

Consumer purchase intent is much higher for companies affiliated with the Special Olympics vs. other major sports properties, according to a Gallup Poll: Special Olympics, 56 percent; The Olympic Games, 38 percent; World Cup, 35 percent; Super Bowl, 23 percent.

After the plunge, the CSEA Region 6 Team is invited to Flo's house for hot soup and drinks! For more information, please go to the official 2011 Rochester Polar Plunge Website.