Latest news with #PolarPlunge
Time Out
9 hours ago
- Time Out
Cape hotels shine in Elite Suites list
The Penthouse, The Silo Hotel The Penthouse at The Silo Hotel crowns one of Cape Town's most iconic buildings, with panoramic views of Table Mountain, the city, and harbour through the hotel's signature geometric glass windows. A soaring double-volume living area is anchored by a striking chandelier and bold contemporary art, while deep sofas and richly textured finishes create an atmosphere of opulent indulgence. The one-bedroom suite includes a private cinema, a personal bar, a study, and an in-suite spa treatment room. Two balconies offer front-row seats to Cape Town's spectacular sunsets. Presidential Suite, One&Only Cape Town The Presidential Suite at One&Only Cape Town offers a truly elegant retreat, with sweeping views across the marina to Table Mountain. Enter through a sculptural doorway into a vast space defined by its floor-to-ceiling marble fireplace, which divides the spacious living and dining areas. Designed for effortless entertaining, the suite features a 10-seater dining table, private bar, curated collection of South African art, and plush ivory sofas. Two en-suite bedrooms offer king-sized beds, walk-in closets, and marble bathrooms, one with a steam shower. With a private gym, media room and easy access to the recently refurbished One&Only Spa, it's the perfect wellness bolthole in the heart of the Waterfront. Villa One, Ellerman House Set within the manicured grounds of Ellerman House, Villa One is an ocean-facing retreat perfect for families or groups seeking space, privacy, and five-star service. The villa's three en-suite bedrooms, generous living areas, and private infinity pool offer an easy blend of coastal luxe, with a personal chef on hand to tailor each meal. Villa One is set above the intimate Ellerman House Spa, which was recently revamped to include a Polar Plunge pool. Owner's Villa, Delaire Graff Lodge The Owner's Villa at Delaire Graff is an art-filled four-bedroom sanctuary set high above the Stellenbosch winelands. With sweeping views from its west-facing terrace, the villa is framed by vineyards, mountain peaks, and distant ocean horizons. A heated infinity pool – and jacuzzi – invites quiet reflection outdoors, while artworks from Laurence Graff's collection lend an intimate, gallery-like feel to the interior space. Here a generous living area and a private dining (with a dedicated chef, of course) make entertaining effortless. There's serenity in the setting, but the villa's private gym and easy access to the elegant Delaire Graff Spa ensure that The Owner's Villa sets itself apart when it comes to wellness.
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
Rain Rally raises money for Special Olympics
EAST STROUDSBURG, MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Students in the Poconos are making a splash for a great cause. The 4th annual end-of-the-year Rain Rally kicked off today at East Stroudsburg High School South. Students from local school districts gathered at the stadium parking and ran under the water hoses of the local fire department. Indraloka expanding low-cost vet services East Stroudsburg High School is one of the original schools in PA to hold the Rain Rally event, which is an offshoot of the Polar Plunge fundraiser for Special Olympics. 'This is something I've been doing ever since I started teaching here, so it's just something that's near and dear to my heart. I guess I want everybody to feel the same way that I do about working with Special Olympics, and we have an inclusive club here for Special Olympics that has almost 300 members,' said Aimee Ellison, a special education teacher at East Stroudsburg High School South. The event helped raise nearly $13,000. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Business Wire
21-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union's Annual Charitable Campaign Rallies Support for Special Olympics Minnesota
ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union (Affinity Plus) today announced the continued success of its Polar Plunge 'jump-start' promotion, its annual charitable campaign supporting Special Olympics Minnesota. In 2025, more than 2,100 Minnesotans registered for the Polar Plunge – Special Olympics Minnesota's largest fundraiser – using Affinity Plus's custom codes to receive either a general $50 donation toward the Polar Plunge's $75 fundraising minimum or a campus-specific $25 donation toward the Campus Plunges' $50 fundraising minimum. In 2025, more than 2,100 Minnesotans registered for the Polar Plunge using Affinity Plus's custom codes. Share Affinity Plus, a longtime supporter of Special Olympics Minnesota, helped Polar Plunge participants collectively raise more than $620,000 this year. As part of the promotion, Affinity Plus will make a direct donation of more than $100,000 to the organization. These funds help sustain year-round athletic and health-based programs, leadership and advocacy training, and inclusive school programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities across the state. 'Each year, we're deeply moved by the growing number of Minnesotans who brave the cold and take the Plunge for inclusion,' said Dave Larson, CEO of Affinity Plus. 'Special Olympics Minnesota holds a special place in our hearts, and our employees are passionate about championing the athletes and their incredible spirit. When we combine that dedication with the generosity and support from our local communities, we build a more inclusive, compassionate Minnesota.' This year, more than 140 Affinity Plus employees took the plunge to support Special Olympics Minnesota, raising over $65,000. In addition, the credit union expanded participation on college campuses by hosting two new Polar Plunge events at St. Cloud State University and Winona State University, as well as returning Polar Plunge events at Bemidji State University, Minnesota State University Moorhead and Minnesota State University Mankato. These campus events raised a combined $56,000 in 2025. "Affinity Plus goes beyond corporate sponsorship – they are true champions of our mission,' said Bill Fish, CEO of Special Olympics Minnesota. 'Their ongoing dedication energizes communities and creates meaningful opportunities for our athletes to grow, shine and celebrate their abilities.' Since first partnering with Special Olympics Minnesota, Affinity Plus has raised more than $1.4M and engaged thousands of community members, college students and Affinity Plus employees to participate in Polar Plunge events. Larson, a longtime volunteer and advocate, currently serves as Board Chair for Special Olympics Minnesota and has contributed more than 20 years of service to the organization. About Affinity Plus Credit Union Based in St. Paul, Minn., Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit, financial cooperative that puts people first above profits. Members of Affinity Plus receive maximum value through competitive rates, minimal fees, and unique, member-centric products and programs. Established in 1930, Affinity Plus has 34 branches located throughout Minnesota and is owned by more than 270,000 members. Affinity Plus has more than $4.2 billion in assets. Additional information is available at or by calling (800) 322-7228. About Polar Plunge The Polar Plunge is a series of events where people jump into freezing cold water to support Special Olympics Minnesota. The first Polar Plunge took place at Como Lake in St. Paul in 1998. Since then, the Plunge has expanded to over 20 locations across Minnesota. Polar Plunge events are hosted in collaboration with The Law Enforcement Torch Run® (LETR), the largest grassroots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle for Special Olympics in the world. About Special Olympics Minnesota Special Olympics Minnesota provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, and experience joy.
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Erie students take the polar plunge for a good cause
They were freezing for a reason Friday. Students from three area schools took part in a polar plunge on the bayfront. The event raised awareness, excitement and funds for the Special Olympics. Behrend students take polar plunge for Special Olympics The students have been raising money all year long and dropping into the frigid pool was a way to celebrate their efforts. 'I heard about it and I'm like jumping into a freezing cold pool in freezing weather, I love it! It sounds like lots of fun, it's really exciting and it's for a good cause,' Clifford Seibel, a Polar Plunge participant said. Dominick's Diner says thank you and farewell to Erie 'Our unified school champions program is incredibly important. We have students with and without disabilities playing on a team together and as equal partners. It's really important,' said Katherine Reim, regional executive director of the Special Olympics. Greenville, Corry and Charter School of Excellence took part in Friday's plunge. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Polar Plunge returns to Plattsburgh
PLATTSBURGH — Everybody was 'freezin' for a reason,' and that reason was fundraising for Special Olympics New York athletes. Plattsburgh City Beach echoed with laughter and shivers Saturday after hundreds endured the 37-degree water of Lake Champlain in the name of goodwill. BODY AND SOUL According to Town of Plattsburgh Supervisor Michael Cashman, the plunge is a 'full body and soul' experience. 'The cold will invigorate your body and really captures your breath,' he said. 'And it stays with you for a while.' Cashman took the plunge alongside City of Plattsburgh Mayor Wendell Hughes and State Assemblyman Billy Jones. Over 40 teams, consisting of local law enforcement, firefighters, college students, high school students, businesses and nonprofits participated in the plunge and raised over $15,000. 'IT WAS VERY COLD' For Tharron Roberts, of Team FCI Ray Brook and a first time plunger, the frigid dip was a shocking and new experience. 'It was very cold,' she said. 'This is the first and maybe only time I will do this.' Roberts and her teammates Erica Bilodeau and Travis Cayea felt this was something they 'needed to do' to show support for the athletes of the North Country. 'This is something I have always wanted to do,' Cayea said. 'We always try to participate in events like this,' Bilodeau added. BRINGS THE COMMUNITY TOGETHER According to Jordynne Oshier, founder of Team True to Form, it's all about community. 'The big thing is bringing the community together,' she said. She put the team together 'to be able to do something for the community.' For Victoria LaVarnway, of Team True To Form, the plunge seemed like a fun thing to do while supporting the athletes. 'I did this for the Special Olympics, I think it's so important to support their team,' she said. 'And I thought it would be a fun thing to do.' This was the first plunge held in Plattsburgh since 2019. The Polar Plunge is a major fundraiser for the North Country Region Special Olympic team and the largest fundraising event organized by Special Olympics New York. For more information about the Plattsburgh Plunge visit For more information about the Special Olympics New York visit
